Carlos Uriostigui, 19, Rodolfo Chaves Mascote, 25, Daniel Campos, Jr., 21, and Joshua Paul Smith, 27, all of Cedartown, pleaded guilty today in federal district court to charges involving drug trafficking, firearms, and carjacking crimes in the Cedartown area in July 2007.

United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said of the case, “This case involves a series of violent crimes in the Cedartown community that put innocent citizens at grave risk. The victims were held hostage in their own home at gunpoint, and one was also subjected to a carjacking. The defendants will now rightfully face many years in prison.”

According to United States Attorney Nahmias and the information presented in court: Smith bought $8,000 worth of methamphetamine from Campos, but instead of paying him cash, Smith substituted newspaper. Uriostigui, Campos, Mascote and another person who is being charged in state court, then went to a house where Smith was expected and held the family, including small children, at gunpoint until Smith arrived.

When Smith came into the home, a fight began and Smith was shot in the face and Mascote was stabbed. After shooting Smith, Uriostigui, Campos, Mascote, and the state-court defendant carjacked Smith’s car and abducted Smith’s girlfriend. She was later released unharmed.

Uriostigui, Campos, and Mascote were each indicted on Oct. 2, 2007, on four counts involving drug trafficking, carjacking, and firearms.

Each pleaded guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy, carjacking, and one firearms count, and each could receive a maximum sentence of life in prison and a fine of up to $4,500,000.

Smith was indicted for drug trafficking conspiracy, and pleaded guilty to that charge. He could receive a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a fine up to $2,000,000.

In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 16, 2008, at 1:30 p.m., before United States District Judge Murphy.

This case is being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Polk County Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Kim S. Dammers is prosecuting the case.