Daniel Stephen Wray, Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy, Louisiana 2024

A major player in a vast methamphetamine distribution ring has been brought to justice. Daniel Stephen Wray, a 35-year-old resident of Chula Vista, California, pleaded guilty on March 27, 2024, to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, on October 6, 2021, at the direction of Wray, Walter Alvarez Tirado, a drug courier, traveled from Kentucky and bound for New Orleans to deliver fifty pounds of methamphetamine. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Tirado’s vehicle in Pearl River, La. Following the stop, officers searched Tirado’s luggage, and discovered fifty pounds of methamphetamine.

Wray faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mansatory special assessment fee. This sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the potential harm it could cause to the community.

The investigation into Wray’s activities was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Financial Crimes Unit.

The case highlights the ongoing struggle against methamphetamine distribution in the region. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive and destructive substance that can have devastating effects on individuals and communities.

The guilty plea is a significant step in the justice process, and we hope that it will serve as a deterrent to others who would engage in similar activities. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our communities and bring those responsible for these crimes to justice.

Mandatory facts: Defendant name – Daniel Stephen Wray, exact criminal charges – conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, city and state – New Orleans, Louisiana, exact date – October 6, 2021, sentence or outcome – a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, up to life imprisonment, fine of up to $10,000,000, and a $100 mansatory special assessment fee.

We will continue to monitor the case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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