NEWS RELEASE
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
WESTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA
John L. Brownlee United States Attorney Brian McGinn Public Affairs Specialist |
BB&T Building 310 1st Street, S.W., Room 906 Roanoke, Virginia 24011 (540) 857-2974 FAX (540) 857-2179 |
April 28, 2008
TRIO INDICTED FOR CONSPIRING TO POSSESS WITH THE INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE MORE THAN 500 GRAMS OF COCAINE
United States Attorney John L. Brownlee announced today that Arturo Miron Garcia, age 24, of Charlottesville, Renaldo Garcia Juarez, age 27, of Charlottesville and Julio Cesar Ruiz Ayala, age 33, of Charlottesville have been indicted by a federal Grand Jury sitting in Charlottesville, Virginia on drug related charges.
“This indictment is another step forward in ridding our communities of individuals who choose to sell illegal drugs,” United States Attorney John Brownlee said today. “I am grateful to all the members of the JADE Task Force for all their hard work in investigating this conspiracy and bringing charges against these defendants.”
Garcia, Juarez and Ayala were charged in a four-count indictment. All three of the defendants were charged with one count each of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of mixtures or substances containing cocaine and one count of distributing five or more grams of cocaine. Juarez was charged with an additional two counts of distributing five or more grams of cocaine.
If convicted on all counts, the maximum penalty faced by both Garcia and Ayala is 60 years imprisonment each and/or an individual fine of $3,000,000. If convicted on all counts, the maximum penalty faced by Juarez is 100 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $3,000,000.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the JADE Task Force for the United States Attorney’s Office, Western District of Virginia. The JADE Task Force is made up of detectives from the University of Virginia , Albemarle County and the Virginia State Police. Special Assistant United States Attorney Ron Huber will prosecute the case.
A Grand Jury indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. These defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.