Fort Worth Woman Sentenced to over 21 Years for Importing Meth

DEL RIO - A Fort Worth woman was sentenced today to 262 months in prison for her part in a conspiracy to import methamphetamine.

According to court documents, Maria Tello, 39, and Juan Tello, 39, both from Fort Worth, conspired together to import over 34 kilograms of methamphetamine from Mexico. On December 2, 2017, a vehicle stopped at the Del Rio Port of Entry had two compartments loaded with 34.32 kilograms of methamphetamine. The vehicle was driven to Dallas where it was met by Maria and Juan Tello. Maria Tello admitted she knew the vehicle was loaded with methamphetamine and that the drug was to be transported within the Dallas-Fort Worth area for further distribution.

"Methamphetamine is a highly addictive poison that destroys lives and destabilizes our communities," said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. "We will hold accountable those seeking to distribute it."

"Today's sentence sends a clear message to criminal organizations that there are serious consequences for trafficking-controlled substances," said Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio. "HSI will continue to pursue cross-border conspiracy investigations to target dangerous individuals who threaten the security of the United States."

On April 26, 2018, Juan Tello pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to import methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 210 months in prison on September 18, 2019.

The HSI investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sydni Connell and Amy Hail prosecuted the case.

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