Large Rip-Crew Indicted for Trying to Take 1,000 Pounds of Marijuana from a Semi-Trailer

TUCSON—On Thursday, June 7, 2012, a federal grand jury in Tucson returned a two-count superseding indictment against members of a “rip-crew” who were allegedly attempting to steal marijuana from a storage location that was under FBI surveillance. The following individuals, all from Tucson, Arizona, were indicted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and attempting to possess with intent to distribute marijuana:

• Lisa Ann Martinez, age 36;
• David Rene Martinez, age 39;
• Ruben Metzler Martinez, age 35;
• Carlos Alberto Miranda, age 30;
• Joseph Ryan Echevarria, age 31;
• Marcos Cruz, age 30;
• Alejandro Carlon Mendoza, age 33;
• Mark Anthony Garcia, age 44; and
• Cesar Othon, age 34

The indictment alleges that these individuals either conspired to possess or attempted to possess just over 1,000 pounds of marijuana that was being stored in a semi-tractor trailer. Because this is a superseding indictment, the defendants will remain on their current release/custodial.

A conviction for either count in the indictment carries a minimum penalty of five years and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, a $5,000,000 fine, or both, along with a term of up to lifetime supervised release. In determining an actual sentence, U.S. District Judge Raner C. Collins will consult the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges. Judge Collins, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.

An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Tucson Resident Agency of the FBI. The prosecution is being handled by Micah Schmit, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.