WACO, Texas – A woman from Roma has made her first appearance in federal court in Waco after investigators accused her of trafficking large amounts of drugs along Interstate 35.
Julie Juarez appeared in federal court in Waco on Thursday following her arrest, according to U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Justin R. Simmons.
According to court documents, Juarez was pulled over for speeding on March 12 on Interstate 35 in Hill County by a Texas Highway Patrol trooper.
The trooper allegedly noticed “numerous indicators of deception” and an inconsistent travel itinerary related to Juarez’s trip to Dallas.
Authorities said a canine conducted a free-air sniff around Juarez’s minivan and alerted to the odor of narcotics.
A search of the vehicle allegedly led to the discovery of about 480 pounds of methamphetamine and about 40 pounds of heroin in an aftermarket compartment.
A criminal complaint alleges Juarez picked up the narcotics in Mexico, crossed into Texas through the Roma Point of Entry, and was traveling to deliver the drugs 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 and a maximum sentence of up to life in prison. A federal district court judge would 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.
Federal officials said the case is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal immigration, cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and violent crime.
A criminal complaint is an allegation, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.