(Ed.'s Note: After we posted our story on the indictment of local bail bondsman Juan Carlos Vasquez, a local blogger [BWC] emailed us the actual document where Asst. U.S. Attorney Karen Betancourt listed the facts upon which the charges were made. We thank our document-driven colleague for the favor.)
By Juan Montoya
New information on the sealed indictment handed down May 10 against local bail bondsman Juan Carlos Vasquez alleged that he and others conspired to possess and distribute at least 25 kilos of cocaine over the space of a year starting in August 1, 2015.
In the indictment handed down by the grand jurors, they charge that Vasquez and co-defendant Manuel Garcia Mata:
1. On or about August 2015, intentionally agree, combine, conspire and confederate with others...to possess with intent to distribute...5 kilograms...of cocaine
2. On or about March 25, 2016, (Vasquez and Mata) did knowingly and intentionally possess with an intent to distribute...500 grams...of cocaine
3. On or about July 14, 2016, (Mata) did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute...500 grams...of cocaine
4. On or about July 14, 2016, (Vasquez) did knowingly and intentionally conspire and agree with persons known and unknown...to import...500 grams or more...from the country of Mexico
5. Pm July 14, 2016, (Vasquez) did knowingly and intentionally conspire and agree with persons known and unknown...to import...500 grams or more...from the country of Mexico
The indictment also contains a notice of criminal forfeiture for all property derived from the proceeds and all property used to commit the offenses. The government also is asking the court for a money judgment totalling at least $1,097,000.