Four individuals, all Mexican nationals residing in the United States illegally, have been sentenced to federal prison on charges related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The sentences were announced by U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.
U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco handed down the following sentences:
Ismael Castillo De La Cruz, also known as “Pepe,” age 31, received a sentence of 130 months in prison. In May, De La Cruz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, being an alien in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and use of a communication facility to commit a drug trafficking crime.
Isidro Santiago Rodriguez-Diaz, age 51, was sentenced to 130 months in prison after pleading guilty in May to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and use of a communication facility to commit a drug trafficking crime.
Yovany Isidro Rodriguez-Ochoa, age 33, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and use of a communication facility to commit a drug trafficking crime.
Rutilo Medina Hernandez was sentenced in August to 156 months in prison. Hernandez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, being an alien in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and use of a communication facility for committing a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the group’s activities in October 2023. The investigation focused on cocaine distribution operations based in North Birmingham. Authorities identified Diaz and Ochoa as primary suppliers within this network. De La Cruz and Hernandez were found distributing both cocaine and methamphetamine.
The FBI worked on this case together with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany T. Byrd and W. Lee Gilmer prosecuted the case.
