California Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking, Firearm Possession Charges

ALPINE, Texas – A California man pleaded guilty in a federal court in Alpine Wednesday to charges related to drug trafficking.

According to court documents, Adrian Arturo Solis, 30, of Sylmar, California was traveling to Houston on Feb. 9, 2023 to conduct a drug transaction when a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper stopped him and his co-conspirators for exceeding the speed limit by 20 mph.  When the DPS trooper recognized drug paraphernalia in the vehicle and observed a passenger attempt to conceal a pistol under his leg, he ordered all the occupants out of the vehicle.  The three occupants were determined to be convicted felons.

During the traffic stop, Solis admitted to owning and possessing a second firearm located in the vehicle.  A probable cause search revealed body armor, firearm magazines, and various types of drugs to include methamphetamine and fentanyl.  After arriving at the Pecos Criminal Justice Center, the two passengers who accompanied Solis in the vehicle required medical treatment due to fentanyl overdoses.

Solis pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He faces a minimum prison term of five years for the firearm possession count and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

DPS and Pecos Police Department are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Ellis is prosecuting the case.

###