News Release [print-friendly version]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2008
Contact: Casey McEnry
Number: 415-436-7994

Modesto Man Gets 20 Years in Prison for
Using Children in a Drug Enterprise

APR 29 -- SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Javier F. Peña, announced today that HUGO RAMIREZ, 42, of Modesto was sentenced today by United States District Judge Frank C. Damrell to 20 years in prison. On September 4, 2007, the defendant pleaded guilty before Judge Damrell to maintaining drug-involved premises and possession of pseudoephedrine.

This case is the product of two separate investigations, one by the Drug Enforcement Administration and one by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department.

On October 26, 2004, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Deputies entered RAMIREZ’s house in search of one missing child, but instead found a different juvenile, methamphetamine, guns, and about 16 pounds of cold tablets together containing over one kilogram of pure pseudoephedrine. Later, RAMIREZ, was identified as a target in a separate DEA investigation based on acts he committed while out on bail. The United States Attorney’s Office brought one federal case based on all of RAMIREZ’s criminal conduct.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Matthew D. Segal, who prosecuted the case, RAMIREZ pleaded guilty to possession of pseudoephedrine and maintaining drug-involved premises. RAMIREZ admitted that he provided pseudoephedrine to another person, who in return would give RAMIREZ methamphetamine. RAMIREZ received sentencing enhancements for possessing firearms and using minors in his drug enterprise.

“Methamphetamine, illegally possessed guns, and the criminal exploitation of children are all great concerns of this office,” said United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott. “When a case involves all three, the defendant should expect vigorous prosecution in the federal courts and a long sentence in federal prison.”

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