Two Houston residents, Edgar Prudencio Ruiz and Damian Lee Gutierrez, were sentenced on Mar. 23 to federal prison terms of more than 13 years each after being convicted of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, according to Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts by federal authorities in combating large-scale drug trafficking in the region. The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas focuses on prosecuting federal crimes and handling civil cases for the government, according to the official website.
A jury found both men guilty after less than an hour of deliberation following a two-day trial held in November last year. U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen imposed a sentence of 162 months' imprisonment for each defendant, followed by five years of supervised release. During sentencing, evidence was presented that linked the methamphetamine supply to Mexico and showed both men had discussed pricing and delivery with others involved in distribution networks. The court also considered their previous involvement in shootings and possession of loaded firearms during drug transactions.
At trial, it was revealed that Gutierrez and Ruiz delivered five kilograms of methamphetamine to an undercover officer on June 17 last year before law enforcement tracked them back to an apartment where they retrieved a box later found to contain ten gallon-sized bags filled with crystal meth inside their vehicle along with two loaded pistols—one near the ignition and another under a seat with an extended magazine.
Further investigation led authorities to search Gutierrez's residence where they seized approximately 122 additional kilogram-sized bags containing crystal meth, bringing the total haul close to 133 kilograms valued at over $200,000 on the street market.
Despite defense arguments regarding lack of fingerprint evidence or direct possession claims, jurors found both men guilty as charged. Both remain in custody awaiting transfer within Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led this investigation alongside local law enforcement agencies from Harris County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office as well as police departments from Houston, Pasadena, Stafford, La Porte and Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas employs more than 200 attorneys covering a population exceeding nine million across its offices located in Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen and Brownsville as detailed on its official website (source). The office is part of the Department of Justice serving under the Attorney General (source), has included notable leaders such as Alamdar Hamdani (2022-2025) among others (history page), reflecting its long-standing role in enforcing federal law.
