McAllen man who threatened partner sent to prison for narcotics distribution

 McALLEN, Texas – A 60-year-old McAllen resident has been ordered to federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Jorge Arturo Gonzalez pleaded guilty Feb. 4, 2020.

Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez ordered Gonzalez to serve a 235-month sentence to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony from witnesses. They described Gonzalez’s role in receiving, storing and distributing kilogram quantities of cocaine at his residence for further distribution since early 2018.

At the time of his arrest, Gonzalez had also threatened his co-conspirator. Today, the court heard how shots had been fired at the co-conspirator’s family home and that someone had killed his dog. In addition, a bullet with the co-conspirator’s name was on his front porch. 

The court also determined Gonzalez was responsible for distributing at least 7.97 kilograms of cocaine as part of the conspiracy. Judge Alvarez enhanced the sentence, finding he maintained a residence for the purpose of distributing controlled substances and possessed a firearm in connection with the offense. She further found Gonzalez used credible threats of violence against his co-conspirator and obstructed justice.

On Sep. 13, 2019, authorities conducted a search of Gonzalez’s residence in McAllen and discovered 3.46 kilograms of cocaine along with a firearm, ammunition, a drug scale, thousands of dollars in U.S. currency and multiple cellphones. There also were numerous videos on his cellphones depicting him in possession of a firearm and large quantities of cocaine and other controlled substances. 

Considered a danger to the community and a flight risk, Gonzalez has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Kristina Pekkala prosecuted the case, while AUSA Matthew Redavid handled the contested sentencing hearing today.