Gerardo Barraza-Ortiz, a 42-year-old Mexican national, was sentenced to more than 21 years in federal prison for trafficking more than 48 kilos of crystal methamphetamine, according to Chad E. Meacham, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.
Barraza-Ortiz, who was living unlawfully in the United States, was sentenced to 262 months by United States District Judge David C. Godbey on March 10, 2025. Barraza-Ortiz pleaded guilty to possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute on September 5, 2023, according to court documents. In June 2022, Duncanville, Texas, police conducted a search warrant at an auto body shop on South Cockrell Hill Road in Dallas, Texas, following two controlled methamphetamine purchases. Barraza-Ortiz tried to run but was caught.
During the search, officers uncovered roughly 48.66 kilos of crystal methamphetamine, principally in 1,022 tiny bundles concealed in buckets and pallets. A freezer, burners, coolers, storage bins, and barrels used to make methamphetamine were also discovered, as well as three weapons and several pounds of marijuana. The Duncanville Police Department estimated the street value of methamphetamine in the Dallas area to be at $3,128,400.
“This conviction sends a clear message that our community will not tolerate the distribution of dangerous narcotics,” Chief of Police Matthew Stogner stated. He complimented the Duncanville Police Department and the US Attorney’s Office for removing more than $3 million in methamphetamine off the streets. Acting US Attorney Chad E. Meacham also praised the collaboration of law enforcement agencies, especially the Drug Enforcement Administration. George Leal and Sarah Douglas, Assistant United States Attorneys, prosecuted the case.
