On January 26, 2023, Rogelio Espinoza plead guilty to court to a cap of 18 years in prison for the offense Manufacture/ Delivery Controlled Substance of 4 grams but less than 200 grams of methamphetamine. A cap 18 offer means the range of punishment is anything from probation up to 18 years in prison. The court reset the case to March 27, 2023, for sentencing and ordered a presentence investigation report prepared by the probation department.
Back on March 19, 2021, the defendant was caught and arrested while in the middle of carrying out a drug deal. When deputies arrested him, Espinoza had baggies weighing a total of 6.2 grams of methamphetamine, a large amount of cash, as well as a scale in his vehicle.
At the sentencing hearing, our office argued that the defendant had other pending drug charges and is a confirmed gang member. Honorable District Judge Russell Wilson sentenced Espinoza to 18 years in prison. We are grateful for the service of the Karnes County Sheriff’s Office, Karnes City Police Department, and Kenedy Police Department for working up cases against this defendant, as well as the efforts of Valerie Campos Chief of Adult Probation for Karnes County, as well as ADA Audrey Vasquez for making sure that a drug dealer is off the streets in Karnes County.
