Javier Martinez, AR-15 Ambush, TX 2016

Ennis, Texas, almost became a war zone when Javier Martinez, 24, of Lancaster, opened fire with an AR-15–style rifle at a pursuing police officer during a high-speed chase following a botched kidnapping. The July 12, 2016, ambush was retaliation for an unpaid cocaine debt—and it marked the violent climax of a drug-fueled conspiracy that ensnared five defendants, all now facing federal time.

Martinez, the ringleader, pleaded guilty on November 15, 2016, to conspiracy to commit kidnapping, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Though he faces a statutory maximum of life in prison and a $2.75 million fine, a plea deal could land him 40 years behind bars when sentenced on March 2, 2017.

He wasn’t alone. Jose Cardenas Aguirre, 25, pleaded guilty October 25, 2016, to conspiracy to commit kidnapping and now awaits sentencing on February 9, 2017, with a possible life sentence and $250,000 fine. Melissa Trevino, 23, the last to plead, admitted guilt on January 10, 2017, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul D. Stickney on the same charge. She faces life in prison, with sentencing set for March 23, 2017.

The plot unraveled fast. Documents show Martinez, Aguirre, and Trevino wore ballistic vests and black camouflage during the attempted kidnapping. When it failed, they bolted—only to be chased by Ennis Police. It was then Martinez opened fire, unleashing multiple rounds from the AR-15 at an officer. Authorities say he orchestrated the entire operation, using violence to enforce his drug trade.

His father, Indolfo Martinez, 47, supplied the cocaine. On July 2016, he offered a buyer a kilogram for $28,300—or three kilos at $28,000 each, using the code phrase ‘horses with saddles’ to mask the deal. He pleaded guilty October 18, 2016, to possession with intent to distribute, facing up to 20 years and a $1 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for February 2, 2017. Maria Guadalupe Bello, 22, admitted to heroin distribution conspiracy on November 1, 2016, and faces 20 years and a $1 million fine.

One man remains on the run. Jonathan Benitez, charged in the same case, is still a fugitive. As the dust settles, federal prosecutors, led by U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas, are making it clear: violent drug operations won’t run roughshod over small-town Texas. The price for pulling triggers and trafficking poison? A one-way ticket to federal prison.

RELATED: Javier Martinez Fires AR-15 at Cop in Dallas Kidnap Plot