Drug-dealing couple sentenced to lengthy prison terms

A drug-dealing couple on Tuesday were handed long prison sentences.

Carson City District Judge Michael Fondi sent Rene Acosta, a 39-year-old man, to prison for 10 years to life, and Griselda Montero-Viera, 35, for 2 to10 years. Each was also ordered to pay a $50,000 fine.

During a district court appearance March 13, Acosta and Montero admitted to dealing methamphetamine.

The pair were arrested during a Tri-Net narcotics sting operation in October of last year. At the time, law enforcement agencies were connecting Acosta to more than 6 pounds of methamphetamine.

Prosecutor Anne Langer said Acosta was one of the biggest drug dealers in Carson City history. Drugs seized from him were valued in excess of $27,000.

Montero was convicted on two counts of dealing in smaller quantities. She was caught with 30 grams of methamphetamine.

Despite pleadings for lighter sentences, Fondi imposed a long sentence to discourage Acosta and Montero, who both hail from Mexico, from reentering the United States once they have served their time.

Mike Roth, Acosta's court-appointed attorney, asked for the minimum 10 years with a maximum cap of 25 years in prison. He said his client got into drug dealing as a quick solution to financial problems.

"Unfortunately he came up here and got caught in one of the largest drug busts in Carson City history," Roth said.

Roth said Acosta had a brain surgery that left him strapped with a $9,000 bill.

Montero's lawyer Ben Walker said she would not have been involved in drug dealing had it not been for her husband's influence. "Most people have long records by the time they reach this age," he said, citing her clean criminal history.

Langer said the couple's ignorance of American law and the circumstances of their passages into the drug dealing world should have no consequence on their sentences.

"So many people suffered because they made a profit," she said. "The amount of dope they were selling warrants a long term in prison."

Acosta and Montero expressed regret about their actions and asked for forgiveness and a chance to go back to Mexico.