Mexican Man Sentenced for Packing a Gun While Drug Trafficking

McALLEN, Texas ‐ Jesus Correa-Gonzalez, 42, of Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas, Mexico, has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of possession with intent to distribute approximately 125 kilograms of marijuana and unlawfully carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Correa pleaded guilty April 2, 2015.

Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane, who accepted the guilty plea, handed Correa a 130-month sentence to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release.

In 2010, Correa maintained an apartment in Edinburg, out of which he sold marijuana. He kept a Taurus .45 caliber pistol for his protection and the protection of his drug business. On the evening of Oct. 28, 2010, individuals arrived at the apartment and stole some marijuana. They returned hours later to steal the remaining 125 kilograms. As they entered the apartment, shots were exchanged between Correa and the other individuals. In the gun fight, Correa’s brother was killed and other individuals were seriously injured.

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

The investigation leading to the charges was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Edinburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Schammel and Kristen Rees prosecuted the case.