Prison Gang Member Sentenced to 19 Years for Drug Trafficking Following HSI Eagle Pass, Federal Partner Investigation

EAGLE PASS, Texas — A member of the Partido Revolucionario Mexicano prison gang and a drug dealer for the gang were sentenced for drug trafficking charges following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the DEA, the FBI and U.S. Border Patrol, the Maverick County Sheriff’s Office, the Eagle Pass Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Clinton Ritchie, 34, of Eagle Pass, was sentenced by a federal judge on July 15 to 235 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Ritchie worked with co-defendant Carlos Daniel Rodriguez-Urrabazo, 41, also of Eagle Pass, who was sentenced to 84 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

“These individuals represented a significant threat to the residents of Eagle Pass,” said HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “Not only did they work for a vicious criminal enterprise, but Clinton Ritchie displayed a willingness to commit violence in furtherance of that enterprise. HSI and our partners stand united in ensuring that those who engage in violence and intimidation will face the full force of the law, sending a clear message that these acts will never be tolerated.”

According to court documents, Ritchie and other co-conspirators were indicted for distributing narcotics in Eagle Pass from March 2019 to June 2021.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the Western District of Texas Izaak Bruce and Holly Pavlinski prosecuted the case.

“The significant sentencing of these criminals reflects the united commitment of law enforcement to stop the importation of drugs from Mexico and the subsequent distribution of illicit substances throughout our communities,” said U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Jaime Esparza. “Our successful prosecution is a testament to the hard work of the partnerships across federal, state and local levels.”

“DEA will continue to work with our law enforcement to stop prison gang violence and drug trafficking from bleeding into our communities and devastating lives,” said DEA Houston Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux.

“Our Texas communities deserve to live without the constant threat of drug violence,” said FBI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp. “I want to thank our partners at Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Maverick County Sheriff’s Office, Eagle Pass Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security Investigations for their continued assistance in keeping our communities safe.”