On Friday, March 15, 2024, Valley Central reported that former Starr County Judge Roel “Role” Valadez Jr. plans to plead guilty to federal drug charges. According to court documents, Valadez notified the court of his intent to plead guilty in open court without a plea agreement.
Valadez was arrested in September 2021 during Operation Ice River, a law enforcement operation that targeted drug trafficking organizations in Starr County. The investigation led to charges against over two dozen individuals for their roles in smuggling drugs. Prosecutors allege that Ignacio “Nacho” Garza and Diego Alberto Reyes Roiz led a drug trafficking ring and worked closely with the Gulf Cartel in Tamaulipas, Mexico. Both Garza and Reyes have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Valadez is accused of assisting the traffickers by providing them with sensitive law enforcement information from his position as Justice of the Peace. Specifically, prosecutors say he gave Garza details about ongoing court cases and the whereabouts of law enforcement vehicles. During the investigation, law enforcement intercepted phone calls between Valadez and smugglers where he reportedly negotiated transporting a large quantity of marijuana to Houston. While prosecutors did not specify the exact amount discussed, court documents state Valadez and Garza were charged with possession of around 240 pounds of marijuana in October 2020.
Phone monitoring of Valadez began in February 2021. Recorded conversations captured him arranging to obtain “high-grade” marijuana from Javier Eden Gonzalez Jr. In addition to drug trafficking, Valadez faces money laundering charges. If convicted on the most serious count of conspiring to traffic methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana, he faces 10 years to life in federal prison.
By notifying the court of his intent to plead guilty without a plea deal, Valadez has waived his right to negotiations with prosecutors that could potentially result in a reduced sentence.
Source: Valley Central
