DALLAS — The ringleader of a major methamphetamine drug organization since 2012 operating in the Dallas-Fort Worth was sentenced to 20 years in prison, federal officials said.
U.S. District Judge Jorge A. Solis sentenced Gerardo Cisneros, aka “Tatuado,” “Gera,” and “Jerry,” to 20 years in prison.
Cisneros, 27, previously agreed to forfeit five vehicles and a firearm.
Cisneros pleaded guilty in October 2013 to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The methamphetamine was imported into the U.S. from Mexico, and it was delivered to the Dallas area for distribution.
The conspiracy involved Cisneros’s mother, who has been arrested, and his sister, who is a fugitive.
Twenty-four defendants were charged in the conspiracy. The case against one defendant was dismissed and two defendants are awaiting trial. All others have plead guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
Officials said Cisneros admitted he used drug proceeds to purchase a 2006 Chrysler 300, a 2009 Honda Accord, a 2007 Ford Edge, a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, a 2009 Mercedes and his residence on Marilyn Lane in Arlington. He also admitted that the automobiles, residence and property at this location were used to facilitate drug trafficking.
According to court documents, Cisneros acted as the leader of the conspiracy.
He worked with co-defendants to set up a receipt and distribution center for controlled substances, including methamphetamine and marijuana, authorities said.
Officials claim that Cisneros admitted that he received and distributed methamphetamine in multi-kilo quantities, collected money from his customers and returned money to his supply source in Mexico. Cisneros admitted sending money to Mexico via couriers to conceal the drug proceeds.
He has been in custody since his arrest in August 2013 when Drug Enforcement Administration agents and other law enforcement members executed arrest warrants for defendants.
Cisneros admitted conspiring to launder money by depositing drug proceeds into multiple bank accounts so that the money could ultimately be withdrawn by people in Mexico in order to conceal or disguise the drug proceeds.