13 get federal prison in Central Texas heroin ring

AUSTIN, Texas — More than a dozen members of a Central Texas-based heroin distribution ring have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 30 years to 12 months.

Prosecutors in Austin on Monday announced the sentences including a 30-year term for 69-year-old Jose Pardo. The Austin man was convicted in February of heroin distribution.

Evidence indicated the defendants conspired from May 2011 until their arrests last June to distribute heroin. Police say heroin was processed at the Pardo family-owned Austin restaurant called Jovita's.

Prosecutors say Pardo and 12 other defendants were sentenced Friday after earlier pleading guilty to drug conspiracy-related counts. His brother, restaurant owner Amado Pardo, died of cancer prior to trial. Prosecutors allege Amado Pardo led the heroin trafficking ring.

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