Mexican National Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 30-year-old citizen and national of Mexico has been ordered to federal prison for Marijuana trafficking, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Ismael Padron-Garcia pleaded guilty Aug. 3, 2017.

Today, U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack sentenced Padron to a total of 24 months imprisonment. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face deportation proceedings following his release from prison. 

On May 15, 2017, law enforcement learned of suspected illegal aliens on a train stopped approximately two miles north of the Refugio county line on Highway 77. Authorities responded to the scene and witnessed Padron-Garcia jump off of a gondola car. He was apprehended shortly thereafter in a nearby cornfield.

Inside of the train, they discovered several bundles later confirmed to contain marijuana, totaling 205.66 kilograms. The investigation later linked Padron to the bundles.

Padron-Garcia has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. 

Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, the Union Pacific Railroad Police and the Refugio County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Gould is prosecuting the case.