Mark A. Barraza Saenz, a 22-year-old Grand Island man, has met his match behind bars. United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Barraza Saenz was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment for possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
But that’s not all – Barraza Saenz will also serve a consecutive 60 months’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. This totals a whopping 132 months, with no parole in sight.
Following his release from prison, Barraza Saenz will begin a five-year term of supervised release. The sentencing took place in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, where Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard presided over the case.
The investigation into Barraza Saenz’s activities began on October 12, 2021, when a Merrick County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a silver sedan heading eastbound in Central City, Nebraska. The deputy initiated a traffic stop due to driving infractions and found two males, including Barraza Saenz, in the vehicle.
When questioned, Barraza Saenz admitted to smoking marijuana approximately an hour earlier and consented to the deputy searching him. A subsequent search revealed two bundles of methamphetamine on his person. The deputy then searched the trunk of the sedan and found a bag containing methamphetamine, as well as an American Tactical M1911 Military .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
Lab tests confirmed that the methamphetamine found on Barraza Saenz’s person and in the vehicle totaled approximately 209 grams. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Merrick County Sheriff’s Office, who worked together to bring Barraza Saenz to justice.
It’s clear that Barraza Saenz underestimated the severity of his crimes, but the federal system has zero tolerance for meth trafficking and the use of firearms in furtherance of such crimes. His punishment serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in these illicit activities.
Related Federal Cases
- Mark Smith, Meth & Gun Crime, Nebraska 2024 · Nebraska
- Alejandro Alvarado, Gun Trafficking, Nebraska 2023 · Kansas
- Zaire Robinson, Gun and Drug Trafficking, Nebraska 2023 · Kansas
- Calvin Wright, Meth Trafficking, Nebraska 2024 · South Dakota
- Leonires Perez-Gonzales, Meth Trafficking, Nebraska 2024 · Nebraska
Key Facts
- State: Nebraska
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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