Juan Ortiz sentenced to 14 years in prison after no-contest pleas in two drug cases

Juan Ortiz entered no-contest pleas in two felony indictments and was sentenced to 14 years in prison on each count, to run concurrently, and fined $5,000.

The court accepted the state’s plea agreement in cause numbers ending in 68 and 67, which charged Ortiz with possession with intent to deliver and possession of a controlled substance in large quantities. The range of punishment for the counts presented included first-degree felony ranges; the plea paperwork and admonishments were reviewed in court and Ortiz waived his right to jury trial and the reading of the indictments.

Nut graf: Under the plea, the state recommended concurrent 14-year sentences and $5,000 fines, to be imposed together with consideration of related cases on the docket. The court reviewed stipulations and state exhibits, accepted the stipulation of testimony, and after reviewing the evidence imposed the agreed sentence and fines. The court also ordered a prohibition on residing with minors and advised Ortiz about limited appeal rights and weapon-possession prohibitions that accompany felony convictions.

During the plea hearing counsel confirmed that defenses and competency issues had been discussed; Ortiz confirmed the pleas were voluntary. The court noted the plea included consideration of two prior cause numbers and other cases on file. The judge explained that because the plea bargains were followed, the defendant waived his right to appeal, and that the weapons prohibition applied because these were felony convictions.

Ending: The court entered sentencing on the record, ordered the sentences to run concurrently, and advised Ortiz of post-sentencing limitations. The case record reflects the court’s acceptance of the plea agreements and the concurrent 14-year terms with fines.