Texas couple plead guilty to federal drug charges

A Texas couple pleaded guilty Friday in federal court to possessing methamphetamine with intentions of distributing it after their earlier arrests in Stoddard County. Edward Sanchez, 48, and Tina Christine Esquivel, 46, of Fort Worth, Texas, pleaded guilty to one felony count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine before U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr., according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Limbaugh set sentencing for June 8 in Cape Girardeau. At that time, Sanchez, due to a prior felony drug conviction, faces a potential sentence of not more than life imprisonment and a $4 million fine, with the court imposing a period of supervised release of at least eight years. Esquivel will face a maximum of 40 years imprisonment and a $2 million fine, or both, with the court imposing a period of supervised release of at least four years. With their respective pleas, Sanchez and Esquivel reportedly each admitted on Dec. 4 they were arrested by SEMO Drug Task Force officers in Advance while in possession of almost 6 ounces of methamphetamine. Also assisting in the investigation were agents with Drug Enforcement Administration. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim J. Willis handled the prosecution for the government.