All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
(Fremont County, WY) – The sentencing hearing for German Ortiz-Esparza has been scheduled for August 6, following a May 14 change of plea hearing.
Ortiz-Esparza is one of the individuals facing federal charges in connection to a methamphetamine distribution case involving a subject with “presumed cartel” ties.
Ortiz-Esparza was originally charged with two counts of distribution of methamphetamine (and aiding and abetting), possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (and aiding and abetting), conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and alien in possession of a firearm.
He initially pled “not guilty” to the charges filed against him at his April 1 arraignment and a jury trial was scheduled, but a non-public plea agreement was later filed on May 13, resulting in the change of plea hearing.
Court documents state that Ortiz-Esparza pled “guilty” to one count of distribution of methamphetamine (and aiding and abetting) and the alien in possession of a firearm charge at the hearing, and the rest of the charges will be “dismissed at time of sentencing.”
The maximum penalty for a distribution of methamphetamine (and aiding and abetting) felony charge is 10 years to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and 5 years to life of supervised release.
The maximum penalty for an alien in possession of a firearm felony charge is 15 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
County 10 will provide updates on this case as they become available, which can be viewed here.