California Man Arrested in Effingham Sentenced for Heroin Offense

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Published on June 21 2016 4:21 pm
Last Updated on June 21 2016 4:21 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

A California man arrested in Effingham last year on a heroin offense has been sentenced to federal prison time.

(CONRAD VALDEZ, JR.)

46-year-old Conrad Valdez, Jr. pled guilty to a one count indictment charging possession with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin. Valdez has been sentenced to 144 months, or 12 years in prison, to be followed by five years' supervised release and fined $400.

Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that, during a September 27, 2015 traffic stop in Effingham County, officers located approximately 17 kilograms of heroin in Valdez's truck. Valdez was transporting the heroin from California to Joliet. The investigation established that Valdez had made previous trips for the purpose of transporting drugs and US currency from the distribution of drugs. At sentencing, the judge determined that Valdez was responsible for transporting 17 kilograms of heroin, 33 kilograms of cocaine, and 20 kilograms of methamphetamine.

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