LUBBOCK, TEXAS — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)), published as received.
LUBBOCK, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a New Mexico man who was caught with over 300 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded Glock pistol after leading multiple West Texas law enforcement agencies on a lengthy high-speed chase was sentenced to just over 19 years in federal prison on Oct. 8.
Erik Louis Almaguer, 32, was indicted in February and pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix imposed a 170‑month sentence for the drug offense, followed by a consecutive 60‑month sentence for the firearm offense, for a total of 230 months.
“This defendant put countless motorists and officers at risk in an effort to avoid accountability,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “This sentence reflects both the seriousness of his conduct and the strength of the partnerships that make West Texas safer. Because of the swift coordination among our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, a dangerous trafficker was stopped, and significant quantities of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm were removed from our communities.”
“Drug traffickers who put innocent lives at risk by fleeing from law enforcement demonstrate a reckless disregard for the safety of our communities,” said DEA Dallas Special Agent in Charge Joseph B. Tucker. “This defendant chose to endanger the public rather than face the consequences of his criminal activity. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, he will now be held accountable for his actions.”
According to court documents, on Oct. 9, 2025, narcotics agents in Lubbock were surveilling Erik Almaguer under suspicion that he was engaged in drug trafficking. A Lubbock Police Department patrol unit attempted to stop his vehicle after he committed a traffic violation, but Almaguer immediately accelerated his vehicle and led officers on a high-speed chase. Almaguer left the Lubbock city limits, traveling towards Brownfield. Multiple law enforcement agencies were called in to assist in stopping Almaguer. The defendant evaded law enforcement all the way from Lubbock to Brownfield, at times traveling over 100 miles per hour.
When Almaguer reached Brownfield, officers successfully flattened two of Almaguer’s tires using spike strips. However, he continued to evade, forcing officers to use their patrol units to disable his vehicle. Almaguer exited his vehicle and attempted to flee on foot but was quickly captured.
Officers located a torn plastic baggie containing suspected methamphetamine near where Almaguer was taken into custody. Officers searched his vehicle and located over 300 grams of suspected methamphetamine and more than 12 grams of suspected fentanyl powder. A loaded Glock 17 pistol with an extended magazine was found between the driver’s seat and center console. Officers also located a baggie of suspected fentanyl pills in Almaguer’s sock.
In plea papers, Almaguer admitted to possessing over 300 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to others. He also admitted to possessing a loaded Glock pistol in relation to his drug trafficking.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Lubbock Police Department, Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, Hockley County Sheriff’s Office, Terry County Sheriff’s Office, and Brownfield Police Department conducted the investigation. Federal, state, and local law enforcement partners collaborated on this investigation under the Caprock Texas High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) initiative. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Long from the Lubbock Division prosecuted the case.
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