Oscar Espinoza-Duarte, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Wyoming 2025

Wyoming – In a major blow to the local underworld, a drug trafficking case involving two illegal aliens has resulted in lengthy sentences for both defendants.

Oscar Espinoza-Duarte, 32, of Chihuahua, Mexico, was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release to follow for two counts of distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting that offense; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.

German Ortiz-Esparza, 35, of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for the distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting that crime and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.

During an investigation into drug trafficking activities in the District of Wyoming, including the Wind River Indian Reservation (WRIR) and surrounding communities, Agents of the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) received information that Espinoza and Ortiz were known to supply methamphetamine to multiple distributors on the WRIR.

Through the investigation, agents learned that Espinoza and Ortiz were frequently driving to Denver to pick up large quantities of methamphetamine and returning to the area of the WRIR where they sold it to distributors.

According to court documents, on February 25, agents arrested both men at Espinoza’s trailer. Ortiz had 8 grams of cocaine and a 9mm pistol on his person, while Espinoza had a .45 caliber pistol. In the trailer, agents found a pound of methamphetamine, three additional firearms, including a pistol with an obliterated serial number, and over $5,000 in cash.

Both Espinoza and Ortiz were indicted on March 20. Espinoza pleaded guilty on May 14, while Ortiz pleaded guilty on May 15. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced Ortiz on August 5 and Espinoza on August 7 in Casper.

This crime was investigated by the DCI, FBI, and the Safe Trails Task Force, with assistance from state and local law enforcement, BIA, and ICE. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist.

This conviction is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the federal government to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transactional criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.