The United States Marshals Service arrested Angelica Escobedo Bernal, a fugitive from the Western District of Tennessee, in Mexico on March 31, according to an April 3 announcement by D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, and Tyreece L. Miller, United States Marshal for the district.
Bernal, 33, of Tamaulipas, Mexico, was indicted on February 6 for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. She pleaded guilty on December 11 to aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after participating in the sale of one kilogram of methamphetamine. Sentencing was scheduled for May 13 but Bernal failed to appear while out on bond. An arrest warrant was issued after her absence.
The U.S. Marshals Service received information that Bernal had fled to Mexico and coordinated with Mexican authorities for her arrest. She will now enter extradition proceedings in Mexico before being returned to West Tennessee.
“No matter how far you run, you cannot escape justice and accountability in this district. I commend the outstanding investigative work of the USMS in apprehending this drug trafficking fugitive without further incident. Bernal has sowed addiction and pain into West Tennessee and will now return to reap the consequence of a significant prison sentence,” said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant.
U.S. Marshal Tyreece L. Miller said: “The U.S. Marshals Service’s reach is far and wide. For those who think they are safe from capture, it’s just a matter of time before you will face the consequences in a court of law.” The investigation into locating Bernal was led by the U.S. Marshals Service with support from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE/ERO), Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory D. Allen is prosecuting the case.
