A 28-year-old Mexican national who illegally resided in Cleveland has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales sentenced Elmer Vargas-Serrato to 201 months in federal prison. Vargas-Serrato pleaded guilty Oct. 28, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.
Because Vargas-Serrato is not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment…