Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
Seven individuals have been sentenced for their involvement in a drug trafficking network distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine around the metro-Atlanta area. The ringleader, Karla Lopez-Delgado, was convicted on charges including possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. stated, “This case underscores our Office’s unwavering commitment to dismantle drug trafficking networks that threaten our communities with deadly substances.” He recognized the cooperation between federal and local partners in achieving these convictions.
Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama, remarked, “Drug dealers who poison our communities will be held accountable.”
The investigation into the trafficking operation began in 2022, with Lopez-Delgado leading the operation. Jonathon Torres-Aguirre, who was incarcerated at Washington State Prison, was identified as her accomplice. Agents seized methamphetamine and fentanyl from Lopez-Delgado’s customers on several occasions. A search warrant executed at her apartment led to the discovery of drugs, a handgun, and evidence of communications with Torres-Aguirre.
The sentences handed down by U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg include:
- Karla Lopez-Delgado: 19 years, 8 months in prison, plus 5 years supervised release.
- Jonathon Torres-Aguirre: 12 years, 7 months in prison, plus 5 years supervised release.
- Marco Camacho-Escobar: 10 years, 1 month in prison, plus 3 years supervised release.
- Issac Duran-Gomez: 3 years, 7 months in prison, plus 3 years supervised release.
- Carlos Santiago: 5 years, 3 months in prison, plus 4 years supervised release.
- Bennie Shelton: 3 years, 10 months in prison, plus 5 years supervised release.
- Kiara Jones: 1 year of home detention, plus 3 years supervised release.
The investigation involved collaboration between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and multiple law enforcement agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. LaGrone and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Mann prosecuted the case.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at eliminating drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations. The Atlanta Strike Force, a component of this initiative, targets significant drug traffickers and criminal organizations in the Atlanta area.
Additional inquiries can be directed to the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office.
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