Marco Gonzalez, a 42-year-old member of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was found guilty on two counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of conspiracy.
According to a DOJ press release, prosecutors became aware during the four-day trial that Gonzalez had threatened to kill one of the co-conspirators who had been called to testify against him, though the witness testified anyway. More than 10 individuals have pleaded guilty to conspiring with Gonzalez, whose nickname was “Speedy” in the CJNG.
Prosecutors introduced evidence that showed Gonzalez used his car dealership, Hampton Motors, as a distribution point and storage facility for methamphetamine, which had been recrystallized at residences in Dallas and DeSoto.
The federal government stated that Gonzalez and his co-conspirators purchased vehicles with their earnings to “disguise” the dirty money. They also carried firearms at their meth labs, where the CJNG trafficked thousands of pounds of narcotics.
Eduardo A. Chávez, the special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Dallas Field Division, commented on the convictions and stated that methamphetamine is harmful to public health.
“Today’s conviction is an affirmation of DEA resolve to keep methamphetamines out of our communities,” Chávez said. “Methamphetamine continues to be a significant threat in North Texas. DEA and all our law enforcement partners will continue to hold those like Mr. Gonzalez accountable for their actions.”
The DOJ recognized the DEA and the Dallas Police Department for leading the investigation, along with the Garland Police Department and the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported that it confiscated 16,040 pounds of methamphetamine in October, the most recent month data is available.
The State of Texas continues to supplement federal enforcement against illegal immigration through an effort known as Operation Lone Star. Illegal crossings are often facilitated by the proceeds from illegal drug sales as cartels try to circumvent security measures implemented at the border.
During Fiscal Year 2021, CBP reported more than 1.15 million illegal aliens, including unaccompanied children and family units, were apprehended in Texas border patrol sectors. There were 98,474 apprehensions in October, which was the third month in a row that apprehensions decreased from a July peak of 147,107 in Texas sectors. These figures do not include those who were not caught.
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Hayden Sparks
Hayden Sparks is a senior reporter for The Texan and a lifelong resident of the Lone Star State. He has coached competitive speech and debate and has been involved in politics since a young age. One of Hayden's favorite quotes is by Sam Houston: "Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may."
