Defendant was caught with multiple semi-automatic weapons and drugs
DENVER - Daniel Mata-Armendariz, age 23, of Colorado Springs, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Christine M. Arguello to serve 120 months in federal prison for distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, U.S. Attorney Jason R. Dunn and HSI Denver Special Agent in Charge Steven Cagen announced. Following his prison sentence, Judge Arguello ordered the defendant to serve 4 years on supervised release. Defendant Mata-Armendariz appeared at the sentencing hearing in custody and was remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshals at the conclusion of the hearing.
Mata-Armendariz was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on February 6, 2018. A superseding indictment was obtained on March 20, 2018. The defendant pled guilty before Judge Arguello on June 5, 2018. He was sentenced on Nov. 13, 2018.
According to the stipulated facts contained in the defendant’s plea agreement, between Nov. 21, 2017, and Dec. 14, 2017, the defendant sold quantities of methamphetamine as well as cocaine and heroin to an undercover law enforcement officer. Prior to Nov. 16, 2017, the undercover officer learned about an individual who sold controlled substances in Colorado Springs. On Nov. 16, 2017, the officer purchased approximately 15.2 grams of methamphetamine from that individual. On Nov. 20, 2017, the officer contacted the individual in order to arrange another sale scheduled for the following day. On Nov. 21, 2017 the individual stated to the officer that he wished to introduce him to the source of supply, who was the defendant.
On Nov. 21, 2017, the defendant offered to sell the undercover officer an ounce of heroin for $1,250. He also asked the undercover officer if he wanted to purchase firearms, such as two AK-47s for $600 each, Glock pistol for $300 to $400, a Mack-10 capable of full automatic fire for $800 or another firearm. Eventually the defendant sold the undercover officer approximately 86.5 grams of methamphetamine. The defendant also showed the officer pictures of firearms on his phone. On Nov. 27, 2017 the defendant sold the undercover officer approximately 14 grams of heroin, 22 grams of cocaine and a 9mm pistol all for $2,000. The officer met again with the defendant on December 6, 2017. The defendant sold him approximately 221.5 grams of methamphetamine for $2,550. Yet again on Dec. 14, 2017 the defendant sold him approximately 113.5 grams of methamphetamine.
On Jan. 1, 2018 the defendant was driving a car in Colorado Springs when he was pulled over by law enforcement. During the lawful traffic stop officers learned that the defendant had an outstanding felony arrest warrant. Officers observed a handgun in plain view between the driver’s seat and the center console. It had a full magazine and a round in the chamber and was readily accessible to the defendant when he sat in the driver’s seat. Officers ran the serial number on the handgun and determined it was reported stolen. Additionally, officers recovered the defendant’s backpack from the car. In the backpack there were several baggies containing controlled substances, including a bag containing approximately 15 grams of heroin, one containing approximately 4.9 grams of cocaine, and five separate baggies containing a total of approximately 69.4 grams of methamphetamine. On Jan. 2, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the defendant’s apartment. During the search numerous firearms and ammunition were recovered, including two AK-47s, and a.40 caliber pistol. The parties stipulated that the defendant sold or possessed with the intent to distribute a total of 490.9 grams of methamphetamine, 29 grams of heroin, and 26.9 grams of cocaine.
This case was investigated by the Colorado Springs Police Department and HSI Denver. The defendant was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel McIntyre.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
