Mauro Esparza-Gutierrez, a 39-year-old Mexican citizen, has pled guilty to charges related to the distribution of methamphetamine. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Daniel Hanlon and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), New York Division.
Esparza-Gutierrez, employed at the Saratoga Race Course, admitted his involvement with a co-conspirator in distributing methamphetamine during the summer of 2024 in Saratoga Springs, New York. He confessed that his co-conspirator sent methamphetamine concealed in horse trailers to him for distribution. Esparza-Gutierrez acknowledged responsibility for distributing approximately 100 grams of methamphetamine as part of this conspiracy.
His sentencing is scheduled for July 1, 2025. He faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, and supervised release ranging from three years to life. Sentencing will be determined by a judge based on statutory guidelines and other factors.
Esparza-Gutierrez is the second individual to plead guilty regarding methamphetamine distribution in Saratoga Springs during the 2024 track season. Nelson Moran from Guatemala also pled guilty on October 9, 2024, and awaits sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Saratoga Springs Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikayla Espinosa is handling the prosecution.
