Man is Sentenced 15 Years for Possession of Meth and Firearm Charges

DEL RIO – An Eagle Pass man was sentenced on Monday to 15 years in prison for distributing methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, on October 21, 2021, a search warrant was conducted at the residence of Mario Alberto Torres Jr., 30, and co-defendant Kayla Saldana, 27, of Batesville, Texas.  During the search, law enforcement found over 350 grams of methamphetamine and two handguns.  

“Through the efforts of the Eagle Pass DEA, a significant source of narcotics supply at the community level was disrupted,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work hand in hand with law enforcement to rid our communities of these illegal and dangerous substances.”

“Mario Alberto Torres Jr., was profiting off small communities by selling poison in the form of meth," said Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division. "Let this sentence be a clear message to anyone considering harming our cherished communities. Our collaborative efforts with our federal, state, and local partners continue to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to protecting our citizens' lives.”

On July 18, 2022, Torres pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.  Torres has remained in federal custody since his arrest on October 21, 2021.

On April 4, 2022, co-defendant Kayla Saldana pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  On April 20, 2023, Saldana was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

The DEA investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Miner prosecuted the case.

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