Doubleheader · Rain Delay
Bags in the Back
United States v. Esteban Loaiza (2019)
Charge: Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute (about 20 kg)Court: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of CaliforniaDocket: Rain Delay
Was the former pitcher knowingly moving a large load of cocaine for distribution?
The facts
A retired All-Star pitcher was seen driving to a rented townhouse near the border, where agents later found about 20 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a factory-built compartment in a vehicle's cargo area, under baseball bags bearing his name. Prosecutors said the townhouse was a stash house and he moved the packages between vehicles. His side said he was a minor courier who had fallen on hard times after his career, not a trafficker.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: United States v. Esteban Loaiza, U.S. District Court, S.D. Cal., guilty plea; sentenced Mar. 8, 2019 (no reported opinion)
Read more at justice.gov. The source reveals the outcome.