Julio “Primo” Martinez of Riverside and Victor “Hector” Martinez of Hemet were each sentenced to 24 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being in an international drug trafficking conspiracy.
“Defendant Julio Cesar Martinez (‘defendant’) was the decades-long head of a deadly heroin importation and distribution ring that delivered countless doses of heroin to thousands throughout Orange County and Southern California. In return, he and his family laundered millions in proceeds and lived lavishly, built solely on the back of addicts — addicted customers who used to their death and addicted deliverers (and co-defendants) who became criminals to support their heroin habits,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum.
His own sentencing memorandum argued that Julio regrets the crime, that he was exposed to substance abuse at a young age and that he was focused on providing for his four children.
The prosecutor’s sentencing memorandum against Victor repeated the claims against Julio, and Victor’s own sentencing memorandum did not provide any defense for his actions.
The brothers pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin Aug. 16.
Prosecutors claimed the Martinez brothers ran a heroin supply organization from Mexico into Orange County from 2002 to July 2021. In their plea agreement, they admitted to moving at least 29 kilograms, or 64 pounds, of heroin into Orange County. The indictment against them said they distributed $2 million in heroin.
One of their customers died from an overdose in December 2016, prosecutors said.
The brothers attempted to disguise their gains by putting their funds into their family members’ banks.
“These two brothers took drug dealing to another level by operating a heroin-delivery service that profited on the addiction and affliction of others,” said U.S. attorney Martin Estrada in a press release. “While they and their families lived lavishly, these defendants ignored the destruction they caused in our community. Today’s sentence sends a clear message that we will not stand for misconduct of this sort.”
One of their distributors was caught in 2017 with 80 grams of heroin at a traffic spot held by an Orange County Sheriff’s deputy.
Julio originally faced two criminal counts for conspiracy to distribute heroin and money laundering. Victor originally faced three criminal counts for conspiracy to distribute heroin, aiding and abetting the sale of heroin, and money laundering.
Twelve others were accused in the indictment.
Case information
California Central District Judge Cormac Carney presided.
U.S. attorneys Kevin Butler, Melissa Rabbani, Jena MacCabe and Jonathan Galatzan prosecuted.
Kenneth Reed of his own law offices represented Victor.
Case No. 8:21-cr-00101
Read the indictment here.
Read the plea agreement here.
