Leader Of Large-Scale Nashville Heroin, Meth Ring Pleads Guilty

NASHVILLE, TN — A 26-year-old man pleaded guilty last week in federal court to possession with intent to distribute heroin and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine.

Jorge Andres "Jimmy" Lopez Montiel of Tepic Nayarit, Mexico, had a role in the majority of the Mexican heroin moved into Nashville for years, Metro Nashville Police narcotics detectives report. He was indicted in 2009 but was deported to Mexico before he was taken in federal custody.

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He continued distributing heroin and eventually methamphetamine, using a network that acted at his direction. That network then transferred the drug sales proceeds back to Mexico. Montiel was arrested late last year trying to enter the U.S. illegally.

According to the plea agreement, announced by Middle Tennessee Acting United States Attorney Jack Smith, Montiel has agreed to a sentence of 210 months in federal prison. He will be sentenced on September 25, 2017.

During an investigation from July 2013 to April 2015, MNPD arrested 22 people, seized 14 pounds of heroin and 1.5 pounds of meth. Four of those 22 — Matthew McKervey, 28; Brian Goforth, 45; Daniel Alcala, 30; and David Becerra-Ruiz, 42, all of Nashville — were charged with federal offenses, in addition to Montiel.

On April 1, 2015, MNPD narcotics detectives executed a search warrant at the home of McKervey. McKervey alleged fired three shots at the officers, who returned fire and wounded him.

McKervey was charged with federal firearms and drug offenses and is currently awaiting trial. Goforth pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. The other defendants are still pending before the Court.

Image via MNPD