Two Men Sentenced To Lengthy Prison Sentences For Their Roles In A Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy
AMARILLO, Texas - Miguel Angel Bravo-Farias, 41, an illegal immigrant, and Hector Terrazas, 25, of Amarillo, Texas, were sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater to 180 months and 156 months in federal prison, respectively, for their roles in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, announced Special Agent in Charge Clyde E. Shelley, Jr. of the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox of the Northern District of Texas.
Both defendants pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. They have both been in custody since their arrest in June 2017 on a related federal criminal complaint.
Co-defendant Rogelio Xochitl Amparan, 29, pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and was sentenced to 189 months in federal prison in December 2017.
According to the plea agreement factual resume, on June 8, 2017, an operation was conducted to purchase 20 pounds of methamphetamine from Bravo-Farias and Terrazas. When law enforcement agents met with Bravo-Farias and Terrazas they were in possession of a box containing a large amount of methamphetamine 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 methamphetamine. 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 methamphetamine.
During an interview, according to the plea agreement factual resume, Amparan admitted that he was involved in the methamphetamine operation. Amparan stated that he received all the money from the sale of methamphetamine and transported the money back to his brother, who lives in Juarez, Mexico.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Amarillo Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Randall County Sheriff’s Office, Potter County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety and Potter County District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Bell prosecuted.
