Posted at 6:13 PM, Apr 04, 2022
and last updated 6:13 PM, Apr 04, 2022
A former Texas deputy has admitted to conspiring with members of a drug trafficking organization.
Baldemar
Cardenas, 36, a former deputy with the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office
pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute
more than 500 grams of cocaine.
"Members of the group would
receive kilogram quantities of highly-pure cocaine," said a release from
U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery. "They would then utilize small
portions of the drugs to create sham cocaine with very low purity."
According
to the U.S. Attorney's release, Cardenas would ensure authorities
seized fake bundles, allowing co-conspirators to avoid responsibility
and distribute the stolen cocaine for profit.
"Cardenas falsely
claimed a confidential source provided the information [in exchange for
$10,000]," said the U.S. Attorney's release. "Based on the information
he gave, law enforcement seized the multi-kilogram sham bundles of
cocaine."
U.S. District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa accepted the
plea and set sentencing for June 14, according to the U.S. Attorney's
office.
"At that time, he faces a minimum of five and up to 40 years in prison," said the release.
