GUILTY PLEA – CHRISTOPHER JO STRINGER
On February 20, Christopher Jo Stringer, 41, pled guilty to convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession with the intent to distribute, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Stringer told to stop by police, who had been warned that a man was firing a gun at a vehicle. In response, Stringer raised his hands and pointed a pistol at his head for several seconds. He dropped the gun after being told to do so and was arrested without incident. The officers found methamphetamine on his person, and learned that Stringer had previously been convicted of felony burglary. He faces up to 16 years and 5 months in federal custody. This case was investigated by the Dallas Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by AUSA Danielle Jones.
SENTENCINGS – FELIX GIOVANNI RUIZ MENDOZA AND GUSTAVO RUIZ MENDOZA
On February 20, Felix Giovanni Ruiz Mendoza, 27, and Gustavo Ruiz Mendoza, 24, were sentenced to 18 and 19 years respectively for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Law enforcement officers searched two residences in Balch Springs. One of these homes were used as a methamphetamine lab to convert methamphetamine to a crystalline form. The brothers admitted to distributing the methamphetamine in the Dallas are for two months and sending proceeds to Mexico. Officers seized nearly $13,000 and three firearms from the residences. These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, the Dallas Police Department, Balch Springs Police Department, and IRS – Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by AUSA George Leal. To learn more about this case, click here.
SENTENCING – ROBERT LUCAS POTEET
On February 25, Robert Lucas Poteet, 30, was sentenced to a year and 6 months in federal custody for aiding in preparation and presentation of a false and fraudulent return. Poteet received tax paperwork from a coconspirator. Poteet reported a business loss of over $15,000, despite the coconspirator never saying that he owned a business. Poteet knew this was fraudulent, but nevertheless he submitted this return. This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by AUSA Douglas Allen.