Jury Convicts Odessa Brothers on Federal Drug and Firearms Charges

In Midland today, a jury convicted two Odessa brothers on federal drug and firearms charges announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Waldemar Rodriguez, El Paso Division, Ector County Sheriff Mark Donaldson and Odessa Police Chief Timothy Burton.

The jury convicted 40-year-old Pedro Saucedo Madrid (aka “Kiko”) of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; three counts of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; and, two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.  The jury also convicted 38–year-old Elizar Saucedo Madrid (aka “Chiquito”) of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; two counts of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; and, one count of felon in possession of a firearm.

On December 5, 2014, HSI special agents, Ector County Sheriff’s deputies and Odessa Police officers executed a search warrant at the defendants’ residence and seized distribution quantities of methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine along with two semi-automatic weapons.  During a traffic stop on February 7, 2015, Ector County authorities seized cocaine, methamphetamine, a sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun and three 9mm semi-automatic pistols from inside Pedro Madrid’s vehicle.  Testimony revealed that both defendants had prior felony convictions; Pedro in 1993 for Arson in Ector County; and Elizar, in 2008 for Obstruction and Retaliation in Ector County.  Courtroom testimony also revealed that Pedro threatened the life of his co-defendant, 34-year-old Albert Prieto of Odessa, in an attempt to prevent Prieto from testifying during trial.

Pedro Madrid and Elizar Madrid face between ten years and life in federal prison.  Sentencing is scheduled for November 2015, before Senior U.S. District Judge Robert A. Junell in Midland.  Prieto, who pleaded guilty to the drug conspiracy charge prior to jury selection, faces between ten years and life in federal prison.  Prieto is scheduled for sentencing at 10:00am on October 7, 2015, before Judge Junell in Midland.

This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) together with the Ector County Sheriff’s Department and the Odessa Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney LaTawn Warsaw is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.