A Texas man was sentenced Monday morning, in what is being described as the largest seizure case in the history of Muskingum County.

Jose M. Gonzalez of Mercedes, Texas appeared before Judge Mark Fleegle for sentencing on one count of trafficking cocaine with a forfeiture specification, a first-degree felony and one count of fabrication of a vehicle with a hidden compartment, a second-degree felony.

Gonzalez was part of a trio of individuals who were arrested earlier this year while attempting to traffic large quantities of cocaine into the county.

According to Muskingum County Assistant Prosecutor John Litle, the case was very complex and thoroughly investigated, which included the pinging of cell phone locations and the surveilling of individuals to figure out the structure of their organization.

In court Monday, Litle described Gonzalez as “higher” than his other two co-conspirators, having more effectively insulated himself from those purchasing the illegal drugs.

While Ronald Cooper would arrange the purchase with local buyers, Gonzalez would act as the connection between Cooper and Erick Marquez, the man who ultimately delivered the drugs.

According to Litle, Gonzalez was cooperative when apprehended, which resulted in additional charges not being filed.

Litle said in court that the “gravity of his organization is significant,” and that this was not a one-time situation, citing the fact that Gonzalez owns a trucking company in Texas and that the semi-truck used to transport drugs to Muskingum County had its hidden compartment “made down there.”

While speaking, Litle discussed his previous times standing before the court, where he would refer to the significant seizure of a case, but Monday, Litle said this is a much larger case than any he’s ever handled before.

“This was an amazing law enforcement accomplishment,” Litle added before sitting down.

Gonzalez’s attorney, Orlando Jiminez, first addressed the court in regard to his client’s citizenship, acknowledging that while he is a legal resident of the United States, he would likely be deported following any sentencing that was placed upon him.

Jiminez made reference to the fact that his client had no previous criminal record and that when Gonzalez was initially arrested, law enforcement didn’t have access to the drugs intended for Muskingum County.

Gonzalez waived his rights, didn’t ask for an attorney and even agreed to make the necessary communications to Marquez so that the drugs would be delivered and could be seized by police.

Jiminez continued by saying that his client had made multiple offers, through him as his attorney, to officials to continue to help law enforcement in any way that he could.

According to Jiminez, the $350,000 dollars in cash was never recovered and Marquez’s family, who allegedly didn’t even have money for gas, soon came into town to visit.

Marquez has yet to be sentenced, but his attorney and prosecutors had previously agreed to a two-year prison sentence recommendation, with the possibility of judicial release at six-months, following good behavior in prison.

Jiminez argued that Gonzalez is also just a mull and that while it doesn’t excuse his behavior, he isn’t the big-time player he’s being made out to be.

Gonzalez’s attorney added that he allegedly still has valuable information that can assist in the capture of additional individuals.

“Wouldn’t we want to try to go higher up,” Jiminez added as he rested his case.

As Gonzalez spoke, through his interpreter to the judge, he said that he is very sorry and that he had let his family, parents and self down.

Gonzalez then told that court that he is a very hard worker, that he’s been a mechanic, electrician and chauffeur and that this was his first time getting involved in drug trafficking, mostly due to the economic losses that his business incurred due to the coronavirus.

As Jiminez had previously mentioned, Gonzalez re-emphasized that he has a daughter in dentistry school and three other children he helps care for.

“I’m very sorry for what I’ve done,” said Gonzalez. “I’ll never do it again.”

Fleegle then addressed Gonzalez, reminding him that count one, trafficking of cocaine, carries an 11-year mandatory minimum sentence.

As part of his previous plea agreement between his defense attorney and prosecutors, count two, possession of cocaine, was dropped in lieu of his guilty plea.

While referring to Gonzalez’s presentencing investigation (PSI), Fleegle questioned his 2018 tax return, which showed only roughly a $50,000 dollar income, while supporting his wife, daughter, other children and being able to afford two attorneys.

“Cocaine kills people, it kills families, it kills neighborhoods and it kills society,” Fleegle remarked. “You’re not a drug addict, only looking to make money.”

Fleegle asked Gonzalez if he cared about what would happen when the drugs hit the street.

“This is the largest (seizure) in the history of our county,” Fleegle continued. “I can not condone anything you did in this case.”

Gonzalez was sentenced to 11 years on count one, trafficking of cocaine and eight years on count three, fabrication of a vehicle with a hidden compartment, sentences to be run concurrent.

He will be granted 100 days of jail time credit.

Gonzalez will also be forced to forfeiture any items seized to the State of Ohio and pay a mandatory fine of $10,000 dollars.