Mauricio Ortiz-Vargas, Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy, Wag…

MAURICIO ORTIZ-VARGAS, a/k/a Mauricio Ortiz, has been handed down the harshest possible sentence from federal court for his role in a massive methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. The 36-year-old Wagoner resident was sentenced to 240 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release. This comes after ORTIZ-VARGAS, also known as Mauricio Hernandez-Chavez and Mauricio Hernandez, was indicted in June 2013 and pleaded guilty in March 2013.

ORTIZ-VARGAS’s sentence stems from a conspiracy that spanned from 2009 until April 18, 2013. During this time, the defendant conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine. The investigation was conducted by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations – Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The presiding judge in Muskogee, Ronald A. White, oversaw the sentencing hearing. ORTIZ-VARGAS will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal Service until he is transported to a federal prison to serve his nonparolable sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wilson represented the United States in the case.

This conviction and sentence send a clear message about the severity of methamphetamine trafficking crimes, emphasizing the government’s commitment to cracking down on such activities. ORTIZ-VARGAS will now pay for his role in fueling the meth crisis in Oklahoma.

As this case illustrates, law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to dismantle drug rings and bring those responsible to justice. The sentence handed down today is a testament to their dedication and the effectiveness of collaborative efforts among federal and state agencies.

The community of Wagoner can take some measure of comfort in knowing that one of its most notorious drug dealers has been brought to heel by the relentless pursuit of justice.