Corpus Christi Man Gets Nearly 15 Years in Synthetic Drugs Case

VICTORIA, Texas – A 37-year-old resident of Corpus Christi has received a 174-month sentence for possession with intent to distribute synthetic cannabinoids and illegally possessing a semi-automatic rifle, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.

James Richard Santos Jr. pleaded guilty Sept. 21, 2106.

At a hearing in Victoria federal court yesterday afternoon, U.S. District Judge Joh D. Rainey ordered Santos to prison for 174 months for the drug charge and another 120 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The sentences will run concurrently. Following the more than 14-year sentence, he will be on supervised release for three years.

Santos was found to be the organizer of a synthetic cannabinoid organization. The investigation revealed Santos utilized storage facilities in Corpus Christi and Houston to store the synthetic cannabinoids and would transport and distribute them in South Texas. 

Santos also has multiple prior convictions. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition per federal law. However, in the course of the investigation, authorities found a Sabra Defence Model XR15 semi-automatic rifle in his possession.

While in custody, Santos continued to provide direction to others, even giving instructions to conceal the charged firearm.  Further, he used violence and intimidation to control other co-conspirators.

Two others were also charged in relation to the synthetic drug enterprise. They both previously entered pleas of guilty and have been sentenced for their roles in this offense.

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

The Bureau Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patti Hubert Booth prosecuted the case.