LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A Las Vegas man who admitted to selling methamphetamine and heroin has been sentenced to 40 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon sentenced Juan Carlos Barrera-Cortez, also known as “Rafael,” on the charge. The government had recommended a 60-month sentence.
Drug ring operated in fall 2024
Prosecutors say Barrera-Cortez was part of a three-man drug conspiracy that distributed methamphetamine and heroin in Las Vegas between August 2024 and October 3, 2024.
According to prosecutors, co-conspirator Jesus Lomeli-Lopez accepted drug orders by phone from customers. Lomeli-Lopez and Barrera-Cortez then met with customers to sell the methamphetamine and heroin. A third co-conspirator, Eduardo Perez, supplied Barrera-Cortez and Lomeli-Lopez with the drugs.
Over the course of the conspiracy, Barrera-Cortez distributed approximately 3.4 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately 8.951 grams of heroin, prosecutors said. Methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, and heroin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance.
Guilty pleas and pending trial
Barrera-Cortez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.
Lomeli-Lopez also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. He was sentenced to five years in prison.
Perez is awaiting a jury trial set to begin January 25, 2027.
Officials respond
“Our office remains fiercely committed to removing dangerous drug traffickers from our communities,” said Sigal Chattah, First Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Nevada. “This sentence sends a clear, definitive message that individuals who profit from fueling addiction in Nevada will be held fully accountable under federal law.”
“While methamphetamine remains one of the deadliest drugs, heroin has not gone away,” said David S. Olesky, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division, which covers Nevada. “These two highly destructive drugs threaten the health and safety of our community. The DEA stands united with our law enforcement partners in pursuing drug traffickers whose poison brings harm to Americans. Today’s sentencing proves that no drug criminal—regardless of their role in the supply chain—is above the law.”
Chattah and Olesky made the announcement. The DEA investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Brister prosecuted the case.
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