Wednesday, October 27, 2021 - A California man was found guilty of aggravated trafficking in illegal drugs, a felony, after four-and-a-half years of court postponements and delays, according to Sequoyah County Sheriff Larry Lane.
According to the probable cause affidavit filed at the time of the arrest, Sequoyah County Deputy Steven Jenkins was traveling eastbound on Interstate 40 near the 297 mile marker on April 6, 2017 when he noticed a car impeding the flow of traffic by driving in the left lane and also failing to maintain the lane and driving onto the rumble strip. Jenkins initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Rene Dorado Estrada, and a passenger, Salvador Anguiano Fernandez.
During the traffic stop, Jenkins’ narcotics K9, Joi, alerted on the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, several bags were found containing a substance that field tested positive for methamphetamines. The bags later weighed out at 6 lbs. When questioned about the substance Salvador stated that it was “crystal” and then agreed when asked to clarify if it was crystal methamphetamine.
Both men were placed under arrest and taken to the Sequoyah County Courthouse and charged with trafficking in illegal drugs.
Sheriff Lane stated that Estrada “chose to hire an attorney and fight the charges.”
After years of delays, the case went to trial in Sequoyah County. Jury selection and trial lasted two days but it only took the jury two hours to return a guilty verdict to Judge Matt Orendorff. The jury recommended a 15-year prison sentence for Estrada.
Sheriff Lane said, “This week the case finally went to jury trial and after a stellar testimony by Deputy Jenkins, we are happy to announce that the jury came back with a guilty verdict. As always, Jenkins does great work from the initial traffic stop to the trial. He makes great cases against criminals.”
Deputy Steven Jenkins with trained narcotic detection K9, Joi
Lane stated that he had received several calls and texts from judges, district attorneys and even other defense attorneys commenting on what a great job Deputy Jenkins did on the stand.
“That’s one more drug dealer off the streets,” Sheriff Lane added.
KXMX News Staff
For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com
