Federal Jury Convicts Serrano Brothers in Cocaine-Making Case

Two Orange County brothers, accused of setting up a cocaine-manufacturing laboratory on a remote Tuolomne County ranch, were convicted Monday by a federal court jury.

Daniel Serrano, 39, of Laguna Niguel and Hernando Serrano, 41, of Anaheim were convicted on three counts each stemming from their role in what government prosecutors described as a major Colombian cocaine distribution ring. The Serranos, longtime U.S. residents, are natives of Colombia.

Four other defendants also were convicted after two days of jury deliberations.

“We are very pleased with the verdict,” Assistant U.S. Atty. John S. Gordon said. “The evidence showed Hernando Serrano was a major figure in a major Colombian cocaine-trafficking operation.”

Hernando Serrano, whom Gordon described in the trial as the “mastermind” behind the cocaine ring, worked as a computer engineer for Rockwell International Corp.

Daniel Serrano, a former technician for Xerox Corp., was previously sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. Local and federal narcotics agents arrested him last December in Los Angeles with about 200 pounds of cocaine in his possession.

Rancher Waits Sentencing

The government’s case against the Serranos rested heavily on testimony provided by Henry Baker Turley, the owner of the ranch north of Fresno. Turley previously pleaded guilty to cocaine charges and is awaiting sentencing.

“We’re disappointed and plan to appeal,” said Brian O’Neill, the lawyer representing Hernando Serrano. “I think conspiracy cases are tough because you are saddled with the sins of others,” O’Neill added.

Richard E. Nahigian, Daniel Serrano’s attorney, said he was “very disappointed” at the verdict.

“The evidence was so flimsy; it was very weak,” Nahigian said, adding that he planned to “pursue other legal remedies.”

U.S. District Judge Stephen V. Wilson set a Jan. 26 sentencing date. The Serranos each face a maximum penalty of 60 years in prison and $750,000 in fines.

In a separate action, the U.S. attorney’s office has filed a civil suit to seize three homes owned by the Serranos. The government claims the homes in Anaheim, El Toro and Laguna Niguel were purchased with money from drug deals.

Federal law permits the seizure of property or goods bought with the proceeds of criminal activity. The Serranos are fighting the seizures, claiming that the homes were purchased with money from the sale of family cattle in Colombia.