TOPEKA – A driver stopped in western Kansas with more than five pounds of methamphetamine was sentenced Monday to 18 years in federal prison.
Javier Vega, 38, Los Angeles, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In his plea, he admitted that on April 27, 2013, he was stopped by the Kansas Highway Patrol while driving a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee on I-70 in Russell County. Troopers found more than five kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in a false battery in the engine compartment.
During a jury trial for Vega’s co-defendants, prosecutors presented evidence that after Vega was arrested he made phone calls from jail in which he gave another conspirator detailed instructions on how to transport methamphetamine from Los Angeles to Kansas City without getting caught.
Co-defendants include:
• Karmin Salazar, who was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
• Raymond Alcorta, who is set for sentencing Feb. 9.
• Adrienne Lopez, who is set for sentencing Feb. 9.
• Angela Marie Lopez, who is set for sentencing Feb. 9.