Mexico citizen admits to distributing meth in Saratoga Springs

A former Saratoga Race Course employee pleaded guilty on Monday to distributing meth in Saratoga Springs.

Mauro Esparza-Gutierrez, 39, of Mexico, admitted in U.S. District Court that his co-conspirator sent meth shipments in horse trailers. Then, Esparza-Gutierrez was responsible for distributing around 100 grams of meth, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Esparza-Gutierrez faces up to 20 years prison and a $1 million fine when sentenced on July 1.

He is the second defendant to plead guilty in this case. Nelson Moran, of Guatemala, pleaded guilty on Oct. 9 to distributing methamphetamine in Saratoga Springs during the 2024 track season. He is awaiting sentencing.