Methamphetamine trafficker who led law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit sentenced to 230 months in federal prison

The U.S. Department of Justice reports in its press release (quotation, not an independent finding): “LUBBOCK, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a New Mexico man who was caught with over 300 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded Glock pistol after leading multiple West Texas law enforcement agencies on a lengthy high-speed chase was sentenced to just over 19 years in federal prison on Oct. 8. Erik Louis Almaguer, 32, was indicted in February and pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix imposed a 170‑month sentence for the drug offense, followed by a consecutive 60‑month sentence for the firearm offense, for a total of 230 months. “This defendant put countless motorists and officers at risk in an effort to avoid accountability,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “This sentence reflects both the seriousness of his conduct and the strength of the partnerships that make West Texas safer. Because of the swift coordination among our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, a dangerous trafficker was stopped, and significant quantities of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm were removed from our communities.” “Drug traffickers who put innocent lives at risk by fleeing from law enforcement demonstrate a reckless disregard for the safety of our communities,” said DEA Dallas Special Agent in Charge Joseph B. Tucker. “This defendant chose to endanger the public rather than face the consequences of his criminal activity. Thanks to the coordinated e”