United States Attorney Richard B. Roper
Northern District of Texas

MESQUITE, TEXAS, MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS
IN FEDERAL PRISON ON METHAMPHETAMINE AND FIREARM CONVICTIONS

DALLAS — Augustin Hernandez of Mesquite, Texas, was sentenced this morning by U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey to 180 months (15 years) in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Hernandez, 39, pled guilty in July to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Officers with the Rowlett, Texas, police department had been investigating Hernandez’s drug trafficking activities, and on October 16, 2006, Hernandez was observed departing his residence in Mesquite. Officers attempted to stop Hernandez after he was observed committing two traffic violations, but Hernandez didn’t immediately stop and threw two baggies out his vehicle’s window. An officer retrieved the baggies, which contained methamphetamine. Hernandez gave his consent to officers to search his residence and they recovered a Ruger 9mm pistol, a Savage Arms 12 gauge shotgun, with no serial number, and seven baggies of methamphetamine. Hernandez admitted the weapons were used to defend himself against other drug dealers.

U.S. Attorney Roper praised the investigative efforts of the Rowlett and Garland, Texas, Police Departments and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Camille E. Sparks.

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