Yellowhammer Times

Four individuals who are citizens of Mexico have been sentenced to federal prison on charges related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.

U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco handed down the sentences as follows:

Ismael Castillo De La Cruz, also known as “Pepe,” age 31, received a sentence of 130 months in prison. In May, De La Cruz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, being an alien in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and use of a communication facility to commit a drug trafficking crime.

Isidro Santiago Rodriguez-Diaz, age 51, was sentenced to 130 months in prison after pleading guilty in May to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and use of a communication facility to commit a drug trafficking crime.

Yovany Isidro Rodriguez-Ochoa, age 33, was sentenced to 57 months in prison following his guilty plea in May for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and use of a communication facility for drug trafficking.

Rutilo Medina Hernandez was sentenced in August to 156 months in prison. Hernandez pleaded guilty to conspiracy regarding the possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine; possession with intent to distribute both substances; being an alien in possession of a firearm; possession of a firearm during drug trafficking; and using communications equipment for these crimes.

According to court documents, law enforcement began investigating the group’s activities in October 2023 when the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office identified Diaz and Ochoa as sources supplying cocaine for distribution throughout North Birmingham. The investigation revealed that De La Cruz and Hernandez were also involved as traffickers distributing both cocaine and methamphetamine within the Northern District of Alabama.

The FBI worked alongside the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany T. Byrd and W. Lee Gilmer prosecuted.