Marina
In a significant update to a federal methamphetamine distribution case centered in Emporia, one of the original six defendants has been officially dismissed from the charges.
Elizabeth Benitez Dismissed from Case
Elizabeth Benitez, who was previously charged with one count of distributing methamphetamine, has been removed from the case.
This decision came after Acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard filed a motion requesting her dismissal, which was approved by Judge Teresa James.
At this time, court documents on the federal Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) site do not specify the reasons behind this dismissal.
Remaining Five Defendants Await Further Proceedings
The five remaining defendants in the case are:
- Troy Wagaman (Emporia)
- Jesus Rodriguez (Emporia)
- Moises Sanchez (Texas)
- Omar Carranza (Mexico)
- Tiburcio Rangel (Mexico)
As of now, no official hearing dates for these individuals have been posted on the court’s online records.
Details of the Alleged Meth Distribution Network
Each of the remaining defendants is facing a single count of distributing methamphetamine. Authorities allege that the group was part of an organized drug trafficking ring operating between Mexico and Emporia over the past several months.
Locations Involved in the Operation
Investigators claim that two primary locations were used in the operation:
- A residential property in the 800 block of West Fifth, Emporia
- A shipping container located in the 1200 block of Road D, southwest of Emporia
Seizures and Evidence Collected
During the investigation, law enforcement officials seized substantial quantities of drugs and weapons, including:
| Item Seized | Location |
|---|---|
| Nearly 100 gallons of liquid meth | Road D shipping container |
| Over 130 pounds of crystal meth | West Fifth residence |
| 75 firearms | Road D location |
| Approximately $20,000 in cash | Road D location |
| Conversion lab equipment | Both Road D and West Fifth |
Authorities believe the conversion labs were used to process methamphetamine for distribution.
The dismissal of Elizabeth Benitez marks a new development in this ongoing federal meth distribution case with deep ties between Mexico and Emporia.
The remaining five defendants continue to face serious charges, and significant evidence seized highlights the scale and sophistication of the alleged drug trafficking operation. The case remains active, and further updates, including court dates, are expected soon.