Man gets 3 years in prison for selling cocaine with children in car

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Mexican national who illegally resided in McAllen has been sentenced for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute it, said U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Heriberto Marin-Hebert, a 39-year-old man, pleaded guilty on November 22, 2024.

Marin-Hebert was ordered to serve 36 months in federal prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane.

As a non-citizen, Marin-Herbert is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.

On August 14, 2024, law enforcement surveilled Marin-Hebert and observed him making hand-to-hand exchanges around McAllen with his children in the vehicle.

Police conducted a traffic stop, at which time he threw a box containing cocaine in a ditch to avoid detection. Authorities found multiple individually-wrapped baggies of cocaine in the box.

Subsequently, police searched his home and discovered additional baggies of cocaine, drug scales, drug paraphernalia, two firearms, and over $12,000 in cash, according to documents.

At the time of his arrest, Marin-Hebert admitted he sold cocaine for a living.

Marin-Hebert will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined soon.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations investigated with the assistance of the Hidalgo County Precinct 4 Constable's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan prosecuted the case.