MADISON - A Monroe man who had the "short, limited role" in a three-member conspiracy that sold up to 2.2 pounds of cocaine was sentenced Friday in federal court to two years in prison.
Jorge Flores Torres, 24, lived with Raul Rodriguez Almanza, 20, and Fernando Garcia, 30, and sold cocaine and marijuana out of two apartments at 2728 8 1/2 St. for several months last year.
Torres had a "subservient role", said District Judge Michael Conley, compared to Torres' cousin, Garcia, who remains at large, and Almanza who was recently sentenced to 30 months in prison.
"The story remains Garcia who was the leader and organizer of this but hasn't been arrested," said Assistant U.S. Attorney David Reinhardt, who suspects Garcia may be in Mexico.
Torres was born in Mexico and entered the U.S. illegally to work, Conley said. Torres maintained employment until being laid off last year and joined the cocaine conspiracy.
Torres' involvement was mainly "to obtain a high here and there," said his attorney Victor Arellano.
"His role was limited and stupid because he had no clue about" how extensive the drug conspiracy was, Arellano said.
The conspirators made numerous sales before attracting attention of law enforcement, which made a case against them when the conspirators continued to sell drugs totaling $7,700 to confidential informants and undercover agents, said Conley.
Although Torres pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge and has been cooperative with authorities, Conley said he remained troubled by Torres blaming Garcia for Torres' involvement in the drug operation and not realizing he (Torres) may have an addictive personality.
"That's something you'll need to control if you want to a have productive life," Conley said.
Conley reduced Torres' sentence for his age, lack of criminal record and likelihood he will be deported after completing his sentence.
If deported, Conley cautioned Torres not to illegally re-enter the U.S. Despite having a brother and other relatives here, if caught again he will face "severe penalties." Instead, the judge said, Torres should apply his work ethic in Mexico where his mother and father live.
Jorge Flores Torres, 24, lived with Raul Rodriguez Almanza, 20, and Fernando Garcia, 30, and sold cocaine and marijuana out of two apartments at 2728 8 1/2 St. for several months last year.
Torres had a "subservient role", said District Judge Michael Conley, compared to Torres' cousin, Garcia, who remains at large, and Almanza who was recently sentenced to 30 months in prison.
"The story remains Garcia who was the leader and organizer of this but hasn't been arrested," said Assistant U.S. Attorney David Reinhardt, who suspects Garcia may be in Mexico.
Torres was born in Mexico and entered the U.S. illegally to work, Conley said. Torres maintained employment until being laid off last year and joined the cocaine conspiracy.
Torres' involvement was mainly "to obtain a high here and there," said his attorney Victor Arellano.
"His role was limited and stupid because he had no clue about" how extensive the drug conspiracy was, Arellano said.
The conspirators made numerous sales before attracting attention of law enforcement, which made a case against them when the conspirators continued to sell drugs totaling $7,700 to confidential informants and undercover agents, said Conley.
Although Torres pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge and has been cooperative with authorities, Conley said he remained troubled by Torres blaming Garcia for Torres' involvement in the drug operation and not realizing he (Torres) may have an addictive personality.
"That's something you'll need to control if you want to a have productive life," Conley said.
Conley reduced Torres' sentence for his age, lack of criminal record and likelihood he will be deported after completing his sentence.
If deported, Conley cautioned Torres not to illegally re-enter the U.S. Despite having a brother and other relatives here, if caught again he will face "severe penalties." Instead, the judge said, Torres should apply his work ethic in Mexico where his mother and father live.