West Texas man pleads guilty to role in methamphetamine distribution conspiracy

LUBBOCK, Texas — A West Texas man pleaded guilty Monday to his role in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy.

This guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas. This case is being investigated by the following agencies: U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Drug Enforcement Administration, Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, and New Mexico State Police.

Arnoldo Mendoza Lepez, 44, of Littlefield, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. He faces not less than 10 years and up to life in federal prison and a $10 million fine. A sentencing date has not been set.

Co-defendants Joseph Raymond Jaramillo Jr., 30, and Zahir Rivera-Pineda, 27, pleaded guilty earlier this month to their role in the conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing.

According to plea documents filed in the case, on May 5, 2017, New Mexico State Police stopped a vehicle being driven by Rivera-Pineda that was found to contain about 20 pounds of suspected methamphetamine near Albuquerque, New Mexico.  HSI special agents were able to determine that the methamphetamine was destined for a specific residence located in Littlefield, Texas. HSI special agents coordinated with agents from the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) and DEA to complete the delivery of the methamphetamine to the residence in an attempt to identify the individuals receiving the narcotics.

Shortly after the methamphetamine was delivered to the residence in Littlefield, agents executed a search warrant.  Inside the residence, agents located Jaramillo Jr. and Lepez. Inside the room with Jaramillo and Lepez, agents located in plain view several of the bundles containing the methamphetamine that had just been delivered to the house.  Inside a hidden compartment located in the closet of the same room, agents discovered the remainder of the bundles containing the recently delivered methamphetamine. Also, two firearms were in the room, and agents located several other firearms throughout the residence.

The methamphetamine located in the residence weighed a total of 8,833 grams (nearly 19.5 pounds).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Long, Northern District of Texas, is in charge of the prosecution.