Texas Woman Federally Charged with Trafficking Over 500 Grams of Meth up I-35

WACO, Texas - A Roma woman made her initial appearance in a federal court in Waco today after she was arrested for alleged drug trafficking, according to U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons.

According to court documents, on March 12, Julie Juarez was pulled over for speeding on Interstate 35 in Hill County by a Texas Highway Patrol trooper. The trooper allegedly observed numerous indicators of deception as well as inconsistent travel itinerary pertaining to Juarez's trip to Dallas. A canine conducted a free air sniff around Juarez's minivan and alerted to the odor of narcotics. A vehicle search allegedly resulted in the discovery of approximately 480 lbs. of methamphetamine and approximately 40 lbs. of heroin located in an aftermarket compartment.

A criminal complaint alleges Juarez picked up the narcotics in Mexico, crossed into Texas via the Roma Point of Entry, and was traveling to deliver the narcotics in Dallas.

Juarez is charged with possession with intent to deliver at least 500 grams of methamphetamine. If convicted, she faces a mandatory 10 years in federal prison with a maximum sentence of up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Smith-Burris is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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