2015-07-17 Conspiracy

Methamphetamine Conspiracy – Richard Madrigal and Damian Erik Alcala

Richard Madrigal, 42, and Damian Erik Alcala, 37, both of Amarillo, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in federal court before U.S. District Judge Mary Lou Robinson.^[1]

Charges and Penalties

Each defendant faces a statutory penalty of not less than 10 years and up to life in federal prison, as well as a $10 million fine. A sentencing date was not set at the time of their plea.

Both men had been in federal custody since their arrest in summer 2015 on a related federal criminal complaint.

Investigation Details

According to documents filed in the case, law enforcement learned that a green Chevy Blazer with Chihuahua registration was to arrive in Amarillo from El Paso, Texas, and that the vehicle was transporting a methamphetamine solution concealed in its fuel tank.

Surveillance and Arrest

On July 17, 2015, law enforcement observed Alcala driving a white Toyota Camry and Madrigal driving the green Chevy Blazer as they arrived at a residence on Houston Street in Amarillo. Shortly thereafter, both left the residence in the white Camry. Several minutes later, they returned to the residence, and Madrigal left in the white Camry.

When officers with the Amarillo Police Department arrived to secure the residence, Alcala fled on foot. Officers with the Amarillo Police Department apprehended Madrigal and brought him back to the residence.

Evidence Seized

During the subsequent execution of a search warrant at the residence, law enforcement found:

• Three Tupperware containers containing crystal methamphetamine in the kitchen
• Two semi-automatic pistols

When law enforcement searched the green Chevy Blazer that was parked in the garage, they removed its fuel tank and extracted approximately 84 pounds of liquid methamphetamine from the fuel tank.

Investigating Agencies

The case was investigated by a multi-agency task force including:

• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
• Amarillo Police Department
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Texas Department of Public Safety

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Frausto was in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Statement

U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas announced the guilty pleas.