SEVEN OF EIGHT PLEAD GUILTY TO DRUG DISTRIBUTION

Seven of the eight men charged with distribution of a deadly cocaine and
heroin mixture that led to overdosing of more than a dozen people here in
August pleaded guilty in federal court Friday.

Charles Martinez, 21, and Lucas Martinez, 24, not related, pleaded to two
counts of drug distribution, and each could get two terms of 20 years to
life in prison.

Baldomero Guajardo, 24; Benito Almaguer, 41; Louis M. Melchor, 18; Jose
Colunga, 19; and Roman Juarez, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of
distribution and face 20 years to life terms.

Andy Gonzalez pleaded not guilty in September. The other seven reached
agreements with the government that could mean reduced prison terms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bob Stabe declined to discuss Gonzalez's case.

During Friday's hearing, Stabe discussed the evidence and explained the
drug transactions between the defendants and their clients.

Heights resident Jennifer Rivera, 16, found dead Aug. 12, died from a
mixture of heroin and cocaine, the Harris County medical examiner ruled.
Fifteen others also died during the Aug. 11-12 weekend.

U.S. District Judge Lynn N. Hughes told the seven defendants their guilty
pleas preclude their appealing the charges. They can, however, appeal the
sentences she will hand down in February.

The defendants said little during the hearing. When Hughes asked Melchor
how he felt, he told her he was "a little nervous." "You should be nervous,
Mr. Melchor," Hughes said. "Everybody here should be nervous."