News Summary
Two young men from San Antonio, Nevin Cuevas Morales and Michael Rey Acuna, have been sentenced for their failed attempt to rob marijuana while impersonating DEA agents. The duo, along with an accomplice, devised a plan to steal over 200 pounds of marijuana in Oregon but ended up facing serious prison time after their crime was foiled. Morales received a sentence of 11 years and three months, while Acuna was sentenced to five years and four months. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of such audacious criminal acts.
San Antonio Men Sentenced for Bold DEA Impersonation Attempt
In a rather startling turn of events, two young men from San Antonio have recently faced the music for their daring attempt to rob a marijuana stash by pretending to be DEA agents. Nevin Cuevas Morales and Michael Rey Acuna, both just 23 years old, were handed down sentences for their roles in a failed heist that has left the community talking.
The Plot Unravels
The incident took place back in March 2022, in the beautiful state of Oregon, where recreational marijuana is completely legal. Morales and Acuna, along with a third accomplice, Juan Carlos Conchas, concocted a plan to steal over 200 pounds of marijuana. The trio traveled all the way from Texas to Oregon, equipped with fake DEA uniforms and body armor, thinking they were clever enough to pull off their scheme.
Things took a dramatic twist on March 12, 2022, when local sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of an armed robbery at a rural home in Josephine County, Oregon. Upon their arrival, the deputies discovered not just one, but two empty vehicles with Texas license plates parked suspiciously at the scene. It was clear something was off.
Victims’ Harrowing Experience
Once at the residence, deputies learned of the shocking ordeal that the victims had gone through. They had been restrained using zip ties and duct tape by armed men who had donned DEA attire. The victims’ descriptions pointed to the audacious impersonation attempt, leaving everyone wondering how far some people would go for a quick score.
As investigators delved deeper into the crime scene, they found large plastic totes filled with marijuana, body armor, firearms, ammunition, and even fake DEA badges abandoned in the area where the suspects fled. It was like a scene straight out of a crime drama!
Evidence Mounts Against the Trio
The investigation revealed incriminating photos that showed the suspects posing with firearms while dressed in their DEA outfits, as well as text conversations discussing their brazen robbery plans. It was clear that they thought they could get away with their grand scheme, but the authorities were onto them.
Sentencing Details
Ultimately, Morales pleaded guilty to conspiring to interfere with commerce by robbery along with using a firearm in connection to a drug-trafficking crime. He was sentenced to an impressive 11 years and three months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
On the other hand, Acuna also copped a plea for similar charges, but his sentence was a bit lighter, with five years and four months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release. Meanwhile, Conchas is still awaiting his fate, with sentencing set for July 17, 2023.
More Co-Conspirators Await Fate
It doesn’t end there! Three other individuals, part of this elaborate scheme, have also pleaded guilty and are eagerly waiting for their sentences. Morales, Acuna, and Conchas were ultimately arrested on October 6, 2022, with Conchas being caught just a week later in San Antonio.
Final Thoughts
This incident serves as a sobering reminder that not all plans go off without a hitch, and impersonating law enforcement is a surefire way to land oneself in some serious trouble! As the legal proceedings continue for Conchas and his co-conspirators, it’s safe to say that this wild story of greed and desperation will remain in the minds of many for quite some time.
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Additional Resources
- KENS 5
- Wikipedia: Law enforcement impersonation
- Express News
- Google Search: Marijuana robbery
- MSN
- Google Scholar: Criminal impersonation
- KOIN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug trafficking
- Oregon Live
- Google News: Drug related crimes
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
