Kansas Woman Sentenced 20 Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking

A Kansas woman has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in a methamphetamine trafficking ring.

Theresa Hight, 60, of Topeka, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, maintaining a drug-involved premises, and two counts of distribution of a controlled substance. A federal jury delivered the guilty verdict.

Hight was also found not guilty of one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Three co-defendants, Shelli Lynn Zarazua, 59, of Topeka, Anabell Madrigal, 58, of Chula Vista, California, and Allen Joseph Baker, 45, of Topeka, all pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances. Zarazua was sentenced to 120 months in prison, Madrigal to 24 months, and Baker to 105 months.

The investigation began in March 2021, when law enforcement received information about a courier delivering narcotics to Hight’s residence in Topeka. Officers conducted surveillance and observed Madrigal arrive at the house, followed by Hight, Zarazua, and Baker leaving in separate vehicles. Traffic stops were conducted, resulting in the seizure of a pound of methamphetamine from Baker, an ounce from Hight, and 17 bundles from Baker’s vehicle. Madrigal’s vehicle contained three bundles of cash concealed in the panels.

The total weight of the methamphetamine delivered on this occasion was approximately 20 pounds, with evidence suggesting this was the second delivery at Hight’s residence. The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Debenham and Sara Walton prosecuting the case.

Hight’s 20-year sentence is a significant blow to the methamphetamine trafficking ring, which had been operating in Kansas. The case serves as a reminder of the severity of the punishment for those involved in such activities.