Sureños Gang Member, Incarcerated ‘Mexican Hitman Pete,’ Sentenced to Over 30 Years for Drug Trafficking Operation in Georgia

In a major blow to a drug trafficking organization operating in Georgia, Pedro Barragan Valencia, a member of the Sureños criminal gang and an inmate, has been sentenced to over 30 years in prison. Valencia, also known as “Casper,” “Bossman,” and “Mexican Hitman Pete,” was found guilty of brokering the distribution of at least 250 kilograms of methamphetamine, as well as other controlled substances such as heroin and fentanyl from behind bars.

U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner handed down the sentence of 400 months in prison, with no eligibility for parole, on December 12. Valencia’s guilty plea to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances was entered on June 7.

The investigation, led by the FBI, targeted co-defendant Cornelius Leonard, also known as “Tae,” who was identified as the leader of an armed drug distribution organization. Leonard, 29, of Grantville, Georgia, had made four controlled purchases of methamphetamine, leading to multiple wiretaps on his phones. The wiretaps revealed a conspiracy between Leonard and Valencia, the incarcerated member of the Sureños gang, to acquire large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and other illegal drugs for distribution in various Georgia cities.

Valencia’s sentencing follows the successful prosecution of several co-defendants involved in the drug trafficking organization:

• Cornelius Leonard, awaiting sentencing, faces a maximum of life in prison.
• Ramone Zorn, aka “Big Razor,” of Thomaston, was sentenced to 300 months for distribution of methamphetamine.
• Other co-defendants received sentences ranging from 18 months to 300 months for charges related to drug distribution and conspiracy.

U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary emphasized the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in dismantling the dangerous drug trafficking organization. The conviction serves as a warning to criminals involved in illegal drug activities that law enforcement will pursue justice relentlessly.

FBI Atlanta Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Robert Gibbs expressed gratitude for the coordinated efforts that led to the closure of a significant pipeline for dangerous drugs in Georgia. The sentencing of Pedro Barragan Valencia underscores the commitment to removing threats to communities posed by drug traffickers.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The case was investigated by FBI and the Upson County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDOC).