U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater sentenced 29-year-old Rogelio Xochitl Amparan to 189 months in federal prison terms for his role in a meth distribution conspiracy.
Amparan has been in custody since his arrest in June 2017 on a related federal criminal complaint. He pleaded guilty in September 2017 to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Co-defendants Miguel Angel Bravo-Farias, 41, and Hector Terrazas, 25, were also arrested in June 2017. Bravo-Farias and Terrazas pleaded guilty to their roles and are awaiting sentencing.
According to the plea agreement factual resume, on June 8, 2017, an operation was conducted to purchase 20 pounds of meth from Bravo-Farias, an illegal immigrant, and Terrazas. When law enforcement agents met with Bravo-Farias and Terrazas, they were in possession of a box containing a large amount of meth and were arrested at the scene.
During the operation, Amparan was observed leaving Terrazas’ residence. He was stopped by law enforcement and arrested for having a suspended registration.
A search of Terrazas’ residence revealed two containers with crystal-like residue and 34 empty glass bottles with crystal-like substance on the spouts in a bedroom. In the refrigerator, there were multiple containers containing a total of approximately 5,498 grams of liquid meth. In the same room was a closet that was converted into a work station with drying equipment. The closet contained fans and opened igloo style containers. On the floor, there were used plastic gloves and utensils that had crystal-like substance on them. The residence was used as a conversion lab from liquid to crystal meth.
During an interview, according to the plea agreement factual resume, Amparan admitted that he was involved in the meth operation. Amparan stated that he received all the money from the sale of meth and transported the money back to his brother, who lives in Juarez, Mexico.
(Story from www.myhighplains.com)
