Seven Panhandle Residents Plead Guilty to Federal Charges Today
| U.S. Attorney’s Office November 05, 2013 |
AMARILLO, TX—Seven defendants who were arrested in an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF) in September 2013 appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Mary Lou Robinson and pleaded guilty to various drug and drug-related offenses.
Miguel Carrasco, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of not less than five years or more than 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
Conrad Nava, aka “Chauncy,” 36, pleaded guilty to one count of operating an illegal gambling business. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years and a $250,000 fine.
Jessie Herrera, Jr., 34, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of not less than five years or more than 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
Traci Michelle Ramos, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. She faces a maximum statutory penalty of not less than five years or more than 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
Curtis Gonzales, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison and a $10 million fine.
Shannon Drell Harris, aka “Shawn,” 43, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
Thiraphong Vongphrachanh, 22, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and aiding and abetting. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of not less than five years and up to life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Last week, three defendants in that OCDETF Operation and a related case pleaded guilty. Floyd Daniel Teafatiller, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of not less than five years or more than 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine. Arcel Vega Martinez, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful use of a communications facility. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of not more than four years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Richard Anthony Rios, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of not less than five years or more than 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
The investigation involved undercover purchases and search warrants. In total, throughout the investigation, approximately $500,000 in cash, three kilograms of cocaine, 20 pounds of methamphetamine, and six firearms were seized.
The remaining four defendants are set for trial on January 6, 2014.
The investigation is being led by the DEA and FBI, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Potter and Randall County Sheriff’s Offices; the Potter and Randall County Attorney’s Offices; the Potter and Randall County District Attorney’s Offices; the Amarillo Police Department; and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey R. Haag, Christy Drake and Vicki Lamberson are in charge of the prosecution.