Yorba Linda Man Admits Drug Trafficking

A Yorba Linda man whom authorities said had a direct link to the notorious Cali drug cartel pleaded guilty Friday to charges that he and an accomplice ran an international cocaine distribution and money-laundering ring from home.

Carlos Ruben Hinojosa Gonzales entered his plea in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles to five counts of conspiracy and possessing cocaine with intent to distribute, said Assistant U.S. Atty. Jeff Rawitz. In addition, Gonzales, 29, agreed to forfeit more than $5 million in cash, jewelry and cars to the government.

Martha Adrianna Ibarra, 25, who lived with Gonzales and is accused of being his accomplice, awaits trial April 30 on a conspiracy charge. She is free on $10,000 bail. Two other people suspected of being ring members are scheduled to stand trial next month.

Gonzales faces a sentence of 20 years to life on each count and at least $40 million in fines when he is sentenced on June 10, Rawitz said. He had been convicted in 1987 of transporting marijuana.

According to law enforcement sources and court records, Gonzales and Ibarra allegedly earned millions from cocaine trafficking, shipping as much as 14 tons of cocaine from Southern California to other U.S. cities in 1993 and 1994. Some drug shipments were carried in luggage by couriers on commercial flights from John Wayne Airport, according to the records.

The couple lived in a $500,000 home in an upscale neighborhood down the road from the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace. They drove expensive cars, including a 1996 Porsche, and owned a $60,000 ski boat.

Another defendant, Yiluarde “Jerry” Pacheco, also pleaded guilty in the case and is to be sentenced in May. According to court records, Pacheco faces a sentence of 10 years to life and a $4-million fine. He was an active duty Marine at the time of his arrest.