Federal Meth Conspiracy Investigation Sends Three to Prison in West Texas
CRANE COUNTY, Texas – A yearlong methamphetamine trafficking investigation led by the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division has resulted in lengthy federal prison sentences for three West Texas defendants.
The targeted conspiracy investigation began in July 2024 and focused on methamphetamine distribution activity in Crane County. DPS CID worked alongside Homeland Security Investigations offices in Midland and Alpine, the Crane County Sheriff’s Office, and the Crane Police Department.
Following arrests made during the course of the investigation, the cases were prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, resulting in federal convictions for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Those sentenced include:
- David Villegas of Crane, who received 212 months in federal prison, roughly 18 years
- Leah Mueller of Midland, sentenced to 151 months, about 12 and a half years
- Ismael Sosa-Saenz of Midland, sentenced to 71 months, nearly six years
Investigators say the sentences reflect the scope and seriousness of the drug trafficking operation and underscore the impact of coordinated efforts between local, state, and federal agencies to disrupt methamphetamine distribution in rural West Texas.
Authorities emphasized that long-term investigations like this one are aimed not only at arrests, but at dismantling drug networks that pose ongoing risks to public safety and community health.
