Another cocaine trafficker heads to prison

McALLEN, Texas – A 27-year-old Alton resident has been sent to prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 22 kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Jesus Roberto Reyes-Gutierrez pleaded guilty April 6.

Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane ordered Reyes-Gutierrez to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised Reyes-Gutierrez’s prior criminal convictions in federal court and the amount of narcotics Reyes-Gutierrez had when apprehended.

On July 6, 2022, Reyes-Gutierrez was traveling on Highway 77 in Bishop driving a black Jeep Grand Cherokee. Authorities conducted a traffic stop after observing the vehicle commit a minor moving violation.

A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed 20 packages of cocaine weighing approximately 22 kilograms. The drugs had an approximate street value of over $500,00 at the time of arrest.

At the time of the plea, Reyes-Gutierrez admitted she drove to Mexico to pick up the narcotics. She returned to the United States through the Anzalduas Port of Entry and traveled north of the Rio Grande Valley.

Reyes-Gutierrez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Nueces County Constables Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter I. Brostowin prosecuted the case.