Saratoga Race Course Migrant Worker Pleads Guilty to Meth Distribution Conspiracy

He is the second person to plead guilty in connection with meth distribution during the 2024 track season. Nelson Moran, a citizen of Guatemala, entered a guilty plea to to similar charges in October.

A worker at Saratoga Race Course has pleaded guilty to his role in a methamphetamine distribution scheme, federal prosecutors announced.

Saratoga Race Course is a Thoroughbred horse racing track located on Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs, New York, United States. Opened in 1863, it is often considered to be the oldest major sporting venue of any kind in the U.S.

Mauro Esparza-Gutierrez, 39, a citizen of Mexico, admitted to conspiring to distribute and possess methamphetamine with intent to sell. According to court records, he worked with a co-conspirator to distribute the drug in Saratoga Springs during the summer of 2024.

Federal authorities say methamphetamine was transported in horse trailers to Esparza-Gutierrez, who then sold it. In his plea, he acknowledged responsibility for distributing approximately 100 grams of the drug.

Esparza-Gutierrez is scheduled for sentencing on July 1, 2025, and faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, and supervised release ranging from three years to life. His sentence will be determined by a judge based on federal sentencing guidelines.

He is the second person to plead guilty in connection with methamphetamine distribution at Saratoga Springs during the 2024 track season. Nelson Moran, a citizen of Guatemala, entered a guilty plea to similar charges on October 9, 2024, and is awaiting sentencing.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Saratoga Springs Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikayla Espinosa.