Omaha Man Sentenced for Two-Pound Package of Methamphetamine Sent from Mexico

Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Rodrigo Esparza, 49, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for possessing with intent to distribute two pounds of methamphetamine.  Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Esparza to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.  After his release from prison, he will begin a 4-year term of supervised release. 

On October 15, 2021, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized a suspicious package that came from Mexico with a destination of Omaha.  A drug detection K-9 indicated to the presence of drugs inside the package, and it was searched, resulting in the discovery of 849 grams of pure methamphetamine.  The CBP worked with the DEA’s Omaha Field Division to make a controlled delivery to the listed address.  On October 21, 2021, the package was delivered, by an undercover agent, to the listed address, where a resident told the undercover agent to leave it on the porch.  Eventually, two individuals, later identified as Esparza and Jerrilee Barajas arrived.  Esparza exited the vehicle and took possession of the package, after which both were arrested.

Barajas has pleaded guilty to the same charge, with sentencing scheduled on October 6, 2023.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Drug Enforcement Administration.