KRGV.com

MCALLEN - An ex-Hidalgo County sheriff's investigator was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release.

Heriberto Diaz was convicted in October of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana. Testimony at his trial showed the 41-year-old lied on numerous official offense reports to disguise his illegal activity.

He and his partner, Omar Salazar, traveled to home that reportedly had marijuana stored. Diaz allegedly threatened the homeowner with arrest, if she didn't comply with a search. The two men found 161 kilograms of marijuana in the home.

Salazar testified that he called Joel and Jorge Duncan to help move the drugs. A police officer spotted the father and son carrying large bundles of marijuana and took them into custody. According to testimony, Salazar told the officer the Duncans were informants helping in a narcotics investigation. The men were released.

Salazar and Joel Duncan were also charged in the case. They're in custody. Their sentencing hearings are set for May 21.