California Man Arrested in Effingham County Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Charges

Print

Published on February 17 2016 10:57 am
Last Updated on February 17 2016 10:57 am
Written by Greg Sapp

A Califonia man arrested in Effingham County last fall has pleaded guilty to federal drug charges.

Acting Illinois Southern District US Attorney James Porter announced 45-year-old Conrad Valdez, Jr. of Selma, California pled guilty to a count of possession with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin.

(CONRAD VALDEZ)

Evidence at the plea hearing established that Valdez was involved with others in the distribution of heroin. During a September 27, 2015 traffic stop in Effingham County, officers located approximately 20 kilograms of heroin in Valdez's truck. Valdez is currently being held without bond pending a June 8, 2016 sentencing hearing.

The heroin offense carries a penalty of 10 years to life imprisonment, to be followed by at least five years' supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Central Illinois Enforcement Group and Illinois State Police. The Effingham County State's Attorney's Office assisted in the investigation.