BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Juan Ramon Garza, a 40-year-old resident alien of Brownsville has been sentenced to 75 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute a quantity exceeding 100 kilograms and for bond jumping (failure to appear as required), United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. 

Garza pleaded guilty on June 26, 2012, to the drug indictment at which time the government’s evidence indicated that on Oct. 22, 2009, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) special agents conducted surveillance at a residence on the 400 block of Naranjal in Brownsville. They were given consent to search the residence, at which time agents discovered large black trash bags that contained bundles of marijuana totaling 125.25 kilograms. Upon Garza’s return home, he admitted he was storing the marijuana in the garage and was to be paid money for storing it.

On Nov. 4, 2009, Garza had been released on a $100,000 bond with a $3,000 deposit. On Jan. 5, 2010, Garza failed to appear for a scheduled court appearance and a warrant was issued. Garza remained a fugitive until he was arrested by the U.S. Marshal Service on April 3, 2012.

Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen handed Garza a 63-month term of imprisonment for the drug charge as well as 60 months for failure to appear. Of the 60-month term, 12 months were ordered to be served consecutively, for a total sentence of 75 months in federal prison. 

The case was investigated by officers with the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Marshals Service agents. Assistant United States Attorney Elena Llanos-Salinas is prosecuting the case.