Jose Emmanuel Morales Rittingger, Heroin Trafficking, Texas 2017

Amarillo Heroin Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Possessing Heroin

AMARILLO, Texas — A 29-year-old man was caught in a massive heroin trafficking operation, and now he’s facing life in federal prison. Jose Emmanuel Morales Rittingger pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.

Rittingger, a Mexican citizen, was in the United States illegally at the time of the offense. He will be deported after serving his sentence. The maximum statutory penalty for this crime is life in federal prison and a fine not to exceed $1 million.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 10, 2017. This case is a reminder of the serious consequences of heroin trafficking and the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat this growing threat.

Rittingger’s co-defendant, Joel Lara Merida, 31, was sentenced on Monday, February 27, 2017, to 51 months in federal prison. Merida pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and aiding and abetting in November 2016.

According to documents filed in the case, on August 15, 2016, a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Trooper stopped a 1995 BMW for driving in the left lane when not passing and obstructed view through the windshield. Upon making contact with the driver of the vehicle, who was later identified as Merida, and the passenger, who was later identified as Rittingger, the Trooper noticed indicators of possible criminal activity. The Trooper asked Merida for consent to search the vehicle and Merida voluntarily consented to the search.

Eighteen bundles in an aftermarket compartment under the back seat were located. There were nine bundles wrapped in black tape, four bundles were wrapped in cellophane, and five bundles were wrapped in silver tape. The heroin had a gross weight of 44.26 pounds and field tested positive for the presence of heroin. Subsequent testing confirmed that the substance seized was, in fact, heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, with a net weight of approximately 17,388 grams.

The case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Frausto and Sean Taylor are in charge of the prosecution.

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