BEAUMONT, Texas -  A 48-year-old Pasadena, Texas man has been charged with federal firearms and drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.   

Roberto Bahena-Garcia was indicted on Jan. 25, 2012, and charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Bahena-Garcia was arrested and made an initial appearance on Feb. 1, 2012, and was arraigned today by U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Giblin.   

According to information presented in court, on Oct. 16, 2011, law enforcement officers received a tip that led them to a large outdoor and nascent indoor marijuana growing operation in the rural area of Hull, Texas in Liberty County.  The investigation revealed more than 1,000 maturing marijuana plants on 225 acres on Private Road 2055.  The operation included a trailer that was being outfitted with grow lights and heating/air conditioning for indoor cultivation of marijuana and a 12 gauge shotgun.  Further investigation revealed Bahena-Garcia had purchase the property on July 8, 2010, and hired local laborers to make improvements to the property which included a cattle tank from which the marijuana plants were irrigated. 

            If convicted, Bahena-Garcia faces up to Life in federal prison and forfeiture fo the property.

                This case is being investigated by DHS/HSI, Liberty County Sheriff's Office and Texas Department of Public Safety and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Craft.

                A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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