Austin Felon Indicted for Alleged Drug Trafficking and Firearm Possession After Ramming Police Cruiser

AUSTIN, Texas – A federal grand jury in Austin returned an indictment charging a felon with three counts related to his alleged drug trafficking and firearm possession.

According to court documents, Cliofa Delacruz, 34, is a four-time convicted felon who was arrested by Austin Police officers after allegedly ramming a law enforcement vehicle while evading. Delacruz is alleged to have possessed methamphetamine and loaded firearm inside his vehicle.

Delacruz is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of felon in possession of firearm, and one count of possession of firearm in drug trafficking. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. 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.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Austin Police Department are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Doug Gardner is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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