California Man Sentenced to 300 months Imprisonment for Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana
Davenport, IA - On April 28, 2008, Alexander Espinoza-Chavez, 38, was sentenced to 300 months imprisonment, having previously pled to one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, announced United States Attorney Matthew G. Whitaker. United States District Judge John A. Jarvey also ordered Espinoza-Chavez to serve eight years on supervised release following imprisonment, and pay an assessment of $100 to the Crime Victim Fund.
On July 4, 2006, the Bettendorf Police Department recovered approximately 92 lbs. of marijuana from the QC Lodge located in Bettendorf, Iowa. The investigation revealed that Espinoza-Chavez and three other individuals were responsible for trafficking that load of marijuana from California to Bettendorf. Further investigation revealed Espinoza-Chavez brought at least 20 different loads to the Quad Cities between January 2003 and July 2006. The loads that Espinoza-Chavez brought varied in size from 100 pounds up to 300 pounds of marijuana. These loads were brought to the Quad Cities approximately two times a month during the duration of the conspiracy. Also, during the conspiracy, Espinoza-Chaevz would bring loads of cocaine to the Quad Cities, varying in size, with the largest load being 15 kilograms.
This case was investigated by the Bettendorf Police Department, the Davenport Police Department, the Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa prosecuted the case.