News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2008

Cameron County Precinct 1 Constable Indicted for Drug Trafficking

MAY 28 -- (BROWNSVILLE, Texas) - A four-count indictment charging Cameron County Precinct 1 Constable Saul Ochoa with possessing with intent to distribute 25 pounds of marijuana in May 2008 has been unsealed, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today.

Ochoa, the elected Constable of Cameron County Precinct 1 who took office in January 2005, was arrested Wednesday, May 28, 2008, at the Port Isabel Police Department (PIPD) by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), FBI and PIPD officers. The indictment, returned by a Brownsville grand jury May 27, 2008, was unsealed following Ochoa’s arrest. Ochoa is expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Felix Recio for his initial appearance either later today or possibly tomorrow.

Ochoa is accused in each of three counts of the indictment of possessing with intent to distribute approximately five pounds of marijuana on May 8, 15 and 22, 2008. A fourth count accuses Ochoa of possessing with intent to distribute10 pounds of marijuana on May 12, 2008. Each count carries a maximum punishment of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine upon conviction.

Ochoa’s arrest is the result of the joint investigative efforts of the DEA, FBI and the PIPD. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jody Young.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

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