MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Mexican national who illegally resided in McAllen has been sentenced for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei said.
Heriberto Marin-Hebert, 39, pleaded guilty on Nov. 22, 2024. He was ordered to serve 36 months in federal prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane.
As a non-citizen, Marin-Herbert is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.
On Aug. 14, 2024, law enforcement surveilled Marin-Hebert and observed him making hand-to-hand exchanges around McAllen with his children in the vehicle.
Police conducted a traffic stop, at which time he threw a box containing cocaine in a ditch to avoid detection. Authorities found multiple individually-wrapped baggies of cocaine in the box.
Subsequently, police searched his home and discovered additional baggies of cocaine, drug scales, drug paraphernalia, two firearms, and over $12,000 in cash, according to documents.
At the time of his arrest, Marin-Hebert admitted he sold cocaine for a living.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined soon.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations investigated with the assistance of the Hidalgo County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan prosecuted the case.
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