A New Boston, Texas, man accused of conspiring to traffic large quantities of heroin from Mexico to the U.S. is facing new charges.
Armando Moya, 47, appeared for arraignment Monday before a federal judge in Texarkana on a superseding indictment, which includes allegations not listed in an indictment issued for Moya in June. The first indictment accused Moya of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin.
A superseding indictment unsealed after Moya's arraignment Monday alleges conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and fentanyl. Fentanyl is an opiate-based narcotic up to 100 times more powerful than morphine meant for use in hospital settings. The drug has exploded in use on the streets and has been credited as playing a role in the increasing rate of opioid overdoses in the U.S.
The superseding indictment's second count accuses Moya of carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense June 7. The government is seeking Moya's forfeiture of a Raven Arms model P-25 semi-automatic pistol.
The government is also seeking Moya's forfeiture of $198,184 in U.S. currency. Moya's first indictment sought a $70,000 money judgment. The superseding indictment seeks a far larger money judgment of $1,750,000.
Texarkana lawyer Jeff Harrelson entered pleas of not guilty to both counts at Moya's hearing Monday. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Hornok filed a motion Tuesday asking the court to schedule a hearing to address Moya's position on a plea deal. The hearing will ensure that Moya is fully informed as to the government's offer and what the consequences for him might be should he reject a plea bargain, take his case to a jury and be convicted.
Moya is currently free on a $10,000 unsecured appearance bond. U.S. Magistrate Judge Caroline Craven granted Moya's release in July following a detention hearing at which a large number of supporters from his family and church sat in support.
Harrelson argued at the hearing that Moya's ties to the New Boston community are strong, noting that he has lived in the same home for about 20 years and has been married for decades. The government opposed Moya's release, noting that he has relatives, including his father, a sister and two brothers, living in Mexico. A DEA agent testified at the detention hearing that investigators believe Moya was acquiring illicit drugs from his brother in Mexico and bringing them into the U.S.
If convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and fentanyl over one kilo, Moya could face up to life in prison, a fine up to $10,000,000 or both. The punishment range for the alleged conspiracy decreases if Moya is found to have possessed a lesser amount.
If found guilty of carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense,
Moya faces five years to life in prison and a fine up to $250,000. Any sentence imposed for the weapons offense must be served consecutively to any sentence imposed on an underlying drug conviction.
Moya's case is currently scheduled for jury selection before U.S. District Judge Robert Schroeder III on Jan. 28 in Texarkana's downtown federal building.