Man sentenced for drug trafficking by Feds

Salvador Mendoza, 30, was sentenced to federal prison for conspiring to distribute five kilograms of cocaine and possession with intent to deliver 500 additional grams of cocaine, a Department of Justice press release announced.

Mendoza, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, was arrested on October 9, 2009 while living near Riverside. He was identified as a fugitive after a 2007 drug case by state narcotics agents.

On the day of Mendoza's arrest, narcotics agents found approximately 3.5 kilograms (approximately 7.7 pounds) of cocaine, a hydraulic press, and evidence of narcotics manufacturing and distribution in his mobile home.

According to the report, Mendoza was linked to a large-scale cocaine operation for several years in Scott, Johnson, Muscatine and Washington counties.

Mendoza will be required to serve 180 months in federal prison for each count against him. Five years of supervision will be required following his release.