Judge sentenced Mesalı to 8 years in prison for arms and drug trafficking

INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA

A 27-year-old Mesa man was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to drug, firearm and other charges.

U.S. District Court Judge Angela M. Martinez also said she would follow Nestor Hernandez-Morales’ time in prison with three years of supervised release.

Hernandez-Morales pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity and attempted trafficking of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity.

According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Arizona, on February 1, 2023, Hernandez-Morales agreed with Mexican individuals to purchase a .50-caliber semi-automatic rifle and a 5.56×45 mm-caliber belt-fed rifle for $26,000. .

The statement stated that “Hernandez-Morales intended to purchase these specific weapons because these individuals were involved in drug trafficking organizations in Mexico and knew that such weapons were valuable for promoting and supporting drug trafficking activities.”

Hernandez-Morales paid $26,000 for two rifles as part of an undercover operation and was soon arrested by federal and local law enforcement.

Later, a search of his home revealed 6.6 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Law enforcement discovered he also possessed a Beretta handgun, which he “admitted to using to protect himself while traveling and to secure drugs, money and ammunition he kept in his home,” according to the statement.

Nine more firearms were found in his home, authorities said.