Weslaco man sentenced for attempting to import shoebox of crystal meth

McALLEN, Texas - A 23-year-old man has been sentenced for drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Jesse James Gonzalez pleaded guilty Sept. 27, 2023.

U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez has now ordered Gonzalez to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional information about how Gonzalez's criminal history was repetitive and warranted a lengthy sentence. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the societal harms of trafficking in narcotics and the destruction in communities that it occurs.

On Nov. 29, 2022, Gonzalez attempted to make entry into the United States through the Donna Port of Entry. Gonzalez was carrying a shoebox containing two packages of white crystal meth.

Authorities discovered the meth during the inspection process and Gonzalez subsequently admitted he had "ice" in the shoebox.

Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Devin V. Walker prosecuted the case. AUSA Ted Parran handled the sentencing hearing.