A federal judge in El Paso sentenced Juan Canales. Canales in July pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
Prosecutors say Canales was a lookout driver for former El Paso County Commissioner Guillermo "Willie" Gandara Jr.
Gandara on Aug. 17 pleaded guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy and using a property for marijuana manufacturing. He faces up to 40 years in prison.
Prosecutors say the men last October tried to smuggle 124 pounds of marijuana through a remote border checkpoint by hiding the drugs in Chicago-bound boxes of chili powder.
Canales, who apologized in court Tuesday, remains free on bond but must surrender next week.
