According to Ellis County & District Attorney Lindy Beaty, Che-De-Aztlan Martinez was convicted on April 21, 2026, and sentenced to 99 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice along with the maximum fine of $250,000. The case began on Feb. 3, 2023, when Red Oak Police Department officers stopped a Dodge Challenger for a traffic violation in Red Oak. Police identified the driver as Eric Mancera and Martinez as the passenger. Officers reported smelling a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and searched it, finding two one-kilogram bricks of cocaine in a bag in the back seat. Neither man claimed ownership of the drugs. Investigators with Red Oak Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division later performed a forensic analysis of both men’s cell phones. According to prosecutors, data from Martinez’s phone showed he was involved in a multi-person drug trafficking organization responsible for moving hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and fentanyl across the country. Authorities said Martinez also helped arrange for large sums of money to be wired to international accounts in Central America and the Mexican state of Michoacán. Mancera accepted a plea deal in 2024 and was sentenced to 30 years in prison for possession with intent to deliver. Martinez rejected plea offers and chose to take his case to trial. “Texas has long stood on the front lines of combatting organized drug trafficking for a majority of the United States,” lead prosecutor Garett Smith said in a statement. “Today’s verdict sends a clear message that Ellis County will not tolerate drug traffickers who exploit and destroy our community for profit.” While Martinez had never previously been sentenced to prison, prosecutors said his criminal history included convictions for felony marijuana possession, possession of a controlled substance and burglary of a habitation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant County and District Attorneys Garett Smith and Sherry Roeder, with assistance from Ellis County investigator Stephen Cooper. Officials also recognized the work of Red Oak Sergeant Cody McKinney and Officer Antonio Avina in the investigation. As with all criminal cases, a conviction can be appealed through the court system.