Three Amarillo Men Remain in Federal Custody Following Arrests for Running Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy

AMARILLO, TX—Three Amarillo, Texas men—Adrian Garcia Baeza, 32; Jose Luis Pando, 34; and Manuel Garza, aka “Valentine” or “Valle,” 29—who were arrested yesterday for running a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in Texas and elsewhere, appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge who has detained them pending a detention hearing set for Friday, December 2, 2011, in federal court in Amarillo. The announcement was made today by U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.

The federal complaint charges each with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. The penalty for this offense is 10 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million.

The investigation involved numerous undercover purchases involving large quantities of methamphetamine and large sums of cash. Yesterday, in conjunction with the arrests, two search warrants were executed and law enforcement seized approximately $150,000 in currency.

A federal criminal complaint is a written statement of the essential facts of the offenses charged, and must be made under oath before a magistrate judge. A defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The U.S. Attorney’s office has 30 days to present the matters to a grand jury for indictment.

The ongoing investigation is being led by the FBI and DEA with assistance from the Amarillo Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Vicki Lamberson is in charge of the prosecution.