Gerardo Barraza-Ortiz, a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States, has been sentenced to over 21 years in federal prison for his involvement in methamphetamine trafficking. This was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Chad E. Meacham for the Northern District of Texas.
On March 10, 2025, United States District Judge David C. Godbey sentenced Barraza-Ortiz, aged 42, to 262 months in prison. Court documents reveal that he pled guilty on September 5, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine.
During sentencing testimony, it was revealed that in June 2022, following two controlled purchases of methamphetamine totaling approximately one ounce each, Duncanville police executed a search warrant at an auto body shop on South Cockrell Hill Road in Dallas. As officers entered the premises, Barraza-Ortiz attempted to flee but was quickly captured.
A Duncanville police officer testified that their search uncovered about 48.66 kilograms (107.05 pounds) of crystal methamphetamine within the building. The majority was found hidden in small packages inside buckets and pallets. Additional searches revealed equipment used for processing liquid methamphetamine into its crystal form and other illegal substances including firearms and marijuana.
The Duncanville Police Department estimated that the seized methamphetamine would have a street value of around $3,128,400 if sold by the ounce in Dallas.
Chief of Police Matthew Stogner stated: “This conviction sends a clear message that our community will not tolerate the distribution of dangerous narcotics." He highlighted this as "a significant victory" against drug trafficking and praised the dedication of those involved in law enforcement efforts.
Acting U.S. Attorney Chad E. Meacham acknowledged the collaborative work between agencies such as the Duncanville Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration on this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Leal and Sarah Douglas were responsible for prosecuting Barraza-Ortiz.