A Mexican national and member of the Sinaloa Cartel was sentenced on March 9 to more than 15 years in prison for distributing methamphetamine, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Jose Guadalupe Favela, age 68, who resided in Riverdale and Monroe, Georgia, pleaded guilty on Sept. 22, 2025, to one count of distribution of methamphetamine.
Favela’s sentencing is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative led by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) aimed at dismantling cartel operations and protecting communities from violent crime. The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal agencies to combat drug trafficking networks operating within Georgia.
“Jose Favela was a significant operative in the Sinaloa Cartel, responsible for facilitating the distribution of massive quantities of deadly drugs into Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Thanks to the relentless efforts of the FBI and HSI, we dismantled this cartel pipeline and brought these criminals to justice.” Robert Gibbs, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent with FBI Georgia’s Macon office said: “Jose Favela was a key member of the Sinaloa Cartel’s drug trafficking operation, responsible for bringing deadly methamphetamine and cocaine into Georgia. His actions fueled a dangerous pipeline, impacting communities across the state.” Steven N. Schrank with HSI added: “This sentencing demonstrates the unwavering commitment of Homeland Security Investigations and our partners to protect Georgia from the dangers posed by cartels and their drug trafficking operations.”
Court documents show that agents used confidential informants during their investigation into Favela’s activities at ranches in Monroe and Grayson as early as December 2021. During recorded conversations with informants at Bold Springs Road in Monroe, Favela described his role storing large amounts—up to 800 kilograms—of marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine between two ranch locations connected with both Durango cartel operations (an arm of Sinaloa) as well as other cartel members.
The investigation also revealed that Favela coordinated deals involving co-conspirators Diego Garcia (sentenced Jan. 17), Luis Mejina Pina (sentenced Dec. 3), and Juan Pablo Torres (sentenced July 2). Each has pleaded guilty; sentences ranged from four years up to over fifteen years depending on their roles.
There is no parole in federal cases such as this one.
