Three Floydada Men Face Federal Drug Distribution Conspiracy Charges

LUBBOCK, Texas — Three residents of Floydada, Texas, who were arrested on Friday by special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), made their initial appearances in federal court this afternoon on drug distribution conspiracy charges outlined in a federal complaint that was just unsealed, announced John Parker, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.

Victor Alaniz, 34, Michael Alaniz, 32, and Jonathan Molina, 22, each appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy M. Koenig, who ordered that they remain in custody pending further hearings set for Wednesday, April 15, 2015.

On April 9, 2015, law enforcement obtained a federal search warrant for 508 W. Lee Street and 510 W. Lee Street in Floydada. Victor Alaniz and a 9mm semi-automatic pistol were located inside 508 W. Lee Street.

Law enforcement located Michael Alaniz and Jonathan Molina inside 510 W. Lee Street. A search of that residence yielded approximately 54 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 25 grams of cocaine, and approximately 30 grams of cocaine base. Additionally, digital scales, plastic bags and writing consistent with a drug ledger were located in the residence. Jonathan Molina had nearly six grams of cocaine in his pocket.

A federal criminal complaint is a written statement of the essential facts of the offense charged, and must be made under oath before a magistrate judge. A defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The U.S. Attorney’s office has 30 days to present the matter to a grand jury for indictment. The penalty for the charged offense is not more than 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine.

The ATF and the Floydada County Sheriff’s Office are investigating. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey R. Haag is in charge of the prosecution.