‪ BEAUMONT, Texas - A 36-year-old Mexican National, illegally residing in Port Arthur, Texas, has been sentenced to federal prison for federal drug and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

                J. Jesus Pineda-Pineda was found guilty by a jury on Jan. 10, 2012, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.  Pineda was sentenced to 99 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Ron Clark.

According to information presented in court, on March 2011 and August 2011, law enforcement officers conducted a drug investigation during which it was revealed that Pineda was trafficking drugs from his apartment on 25th Street in Port Arthur, Texas.  On Aug. 4, 2011, officers executed a search warrant at Pineda’s apartment and recovered approximately 185 grams of powder cocaine, a 9mm pistol, ammunition, drug trafficking paraphernalia and almost $2,000 in cash.  Another 23.93 grams of powder cocaine was recovered from a car parked next to the apartment.  Pineda was indicted on federal drug and firearms violations on Aug. 25, 2011. 
This case was prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition and body armor, and improving the safety of residents in the Eastern District of Texas. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
This case was investigated by the ATF and the Port Arthur Police Department and prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Baylor Wortham.

 

 

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