Phoenix resident, Ralph C. Moreno, age 53, was sentenced to 25 years in prison followed by 10 years supervised release, and a $3000 fine on Dec. 16, 2013. The judge ordered forfeiture of Moreno’s interest in a Stoeger .40 caliber handgun, a Bushmaster .223 caliber rifle, and $75,366 in U.S. currency.
Moreno was found guilty by a federal jury on Sept. 18, 2013, of three felonies – conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and felon in possession of a firearm.
At trial, it was proven that Moreno sold methamphetamine at his Phoenix residence to persons who ultimately intended it to reach associates of the Arizona “Mexican Mafia,” a prison based gang. After a search warrant was obtained for Moreno’s residence, law enforcement found the two firearms listed above and drug proceeds amounting to $75,366 in cash. At the time he committed the offenses, Moreno had two prior state felony convictions for drug trafficking.