A federal jury has found Morgan Ashley Kirby, 20, guilty of drug conspiracy and attempted possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The conviction stems from a coordinated law enforcement operation that intercepted more than 46 pounds of the drug intended for distribution in Tulsa.
U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson commented on the verdict, stating, “Conspiring with others to deliver drugs onto the streets of the Northern District of Oklahoma will never be tolerated.” He praised the collaborative efforts between Texas and Tulsa law enforcement agencies for their role in preventing the completion of the drug delivery.
DEA Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chávez highlighted the significance of this case by noting, “The arrest and conviction of Ms. Kirby and her associates made our community safer and prevented further destruction that methamphetamine trafficking can bring to the citizens of Tulsa, Oklahoma.” Chávez emphasized ongoing cooperation with state and local partners to uphold justice.
The case began in June 2024 when Texas Department of Public Safety troopers stopped a vehicle for traffic violations. A search revealed a suitcase containing 21 plastic bags filled with what appeared to be methamphetamine. It was discovered that the driver was being paid $4,000 to transport the drugs to Tulsa.
DEA agents confirmed the substance as methamphetamine but replaced it with fake methamphetamine before allowing its delivery to proceed. The driver subsequently met with Luis Enrique Rios-Soriano and Morgan Kirby for payment and handed over the counterfeit drugs for distribution.
Subsequently, Oklahoma Highway Patrol officers stopped Rios-Soriano's vehicle, where Kirby was a passenger. They found over 46 pounds of fake methamphetamine along with cash inside.
Kirby’s co-defendants have also pled guilty; Feliciano Ortega-Banderas admitted guilt for attempted distribution, while Rios-Soriano confessed to both drug conspiracy and attempted possession charges. All three remain under U.S. Marshal custody pending sentencing before being transferred to federal prison facilities. Additionally, Rios-Soriano is expected to face deportation proceedings post-sentencing due to his non-citizen status.
This case was investigated by multiple agencies including DEA offices in Tulsa and Amarillo, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Bailey and Christian Harris handled prosecution duties.