A federal judge on Tuesday sentenced a convicted Donna drug trafficker who worked with a former police officer to move narcotics through that city to nine years in prison.
U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez sentenced Victor Vallejo, 48, on a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine conviction, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas said in a news release.
During the sentencing, Alvarez noted the serious harm drug trafficking can have on a community.
Alejandro Martinez, 44, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.
Martinez used his capacity as a police officer to assist Vallejo by escorting drug loads through Donna. He also diverted other officers away from areas where drug smuggling was occurring, according to the release.
Martinez was previously sentenced to 14 1/2 years in prison.
At Martinez’s sentencing, the judge spoke about how people come to the United States to escape corrupt law enforcement in other countries.
“By accepting bribes, Martinez damaged public trust in the justice system,” the release stated.
Vallejo, who was out on bond, was taken into custody following his sentencing.
