Jesus Mendivil and Fabiola Bernal Sentenced in Drug Conspiracy
U.S. Attorney’s Office March 18, 2009 |
United States Attorney Joe W. Stecher and the Federal Bureau of Investigation announce the following information for the attention of the media:
Event Triggering this Release: Jesus Mendivil and Fabiola Bernal, codefendants in a drug conspiracy case, were both sentenced on March 11, 2009. Jesus Mendivil and Fabiola Bernal both participated in a controlled purchase of 2 ounces of methamphetamine on July 1, 2008, where they sold the methamphetamine to an informant working with the police. A similar controlled purchase of 2 ounces of methamphetamine from Mendivil and Bernal took place the following day on July 2, 2008. Later in the day on July 2, 2008, Mendivil and Bernal were arrested. At that time the police found approximately 4 more ounces of methamphetamine in their possession. After their arrest the police went to a residence where Mendivil and Bernal had been staying. There they found a diaper bag containing 1,341.95 grams of methamphetamine and a cutting agent used to dilute methamphetamine, along with a Colt 38 special revolver and $7860 in U.S. Currency. Bernal and Mendivil both plead guilty to conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, being illegal aliens in possession of a firearm and forfeiture counts for the money and the firearm. The Honorable U.S. District Court Judge Kopf sentenced Mendivil to 135 months imprisonment with an additional 5 years of supervised release and sentenced Bernal to 120 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release. Judge Kopf further ordered the forfeiture of the $7860 and the Colt .38 revolver.
Name of Defendant: Jesus Mendivil and Fabiola Bernal
AKA:
Age: Jesus Mendivil 21
Fabiola Bernal 32
City of Residence: Grand Island, Nebraska
Crime(s) Charged and Potential Penalty: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine—10 years to life imprisonment, up to a $4,000,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Illegal alien in possession of a firearm, up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Forfeiture of $7860. Forfeiture of the Colt .38 special revolver.
Specific Location of Alleged Crime: Grand Island, Nebraska
Location of Arrest: Grand Island, Nebraska
Alleged Dollar Loss/Type and Quantity of Drug: Over 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine
Others Charged in Same Scheme: None
Relevant Dates:
Date of Alleged Crime: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine—June 25, 2008, through July 2, 2008; Illegal alien in possession of a firearm—July 2, 2008.
Federal Arrest Date: N/A
Date Complaint Issued: July 7, 2008.
Indictment Returned Date: July 14, 2008.
Initial Appearance Date: July 14, 2008.
Plea or Trial and Date(s): Plea hearing on December 9, 2008.
Sentencing Date: March 11, 2009
Next Court Hearing Type and Date: N/A
Assigned Magistrate Judge: David Piester
Held without Bond, or Released from Custody: Released
In Continuous Custody Since:
Assigned District Court Judge: Richard Kopf
Initials of Assigned AUSA/Preparer of THIS Release: MRM