Trial dates still are not on the docket, but there are new court dates of note in a federal drug distribution case involving connections to Emporia, Texas and Mexico.
Judge Holly Teeter approved an evidentiary hearing for June 4 and a status conference for July 21 in the federal case against Troy Wagaman, Jesus Cruz Rodriguez, both of Emporia; as well as Moises Sanchez of Texas; and Omar Villa-Carranza and Tiburcio Rangel, both from Mexico. Motions are due by March 16, with responses due by April 6 and replies by April 20.
All five are charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, as well as possession with intent to distribute, as part of an alleged drug distribution ring that involved trips from Mexico to Emporia and back between January and May 2025. The local alleged operation worked out of a home in the 800 block of West Fifth and a shipping container in the 1200 block of Road D southwest of Emporia, leading to the seizure of over 130 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, nearly 100 gallons of liquid meth, 75 guns and $20,000 in cash.
