Attorney General Jason Miyares has announced that a Brownsville, Texas man has been sentenced to 150 months in prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to possess and distribute nearly 40 kilograms of cocaine. This conviction and sentencing is a result of the Attorney General's Operation Ceasefire initiative, which aims to address gun and gang violence through prosecution and prevention.
The man, Carlos Alfonso Gonzalez, agreed with a Mexico-based source of supply to transport a load of cocaine from Houston, Texas to Richmond, Virginia. He picked up the cocaine in Houston and traveled to Virginia in a commercial semi-tractor trailer truck to distribute it to two traffickers connected to a Mexican drug trafficking organization. Gonzalez distributed three duffel bags containing 39.9 kilograms of cocaine to his co-conspirators at a truck stop in Disputanta, Virginia.
After the co-conspirators left the area with the cocaine, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and recovered the drugs. Gonzalez was also stopped and arrested. It is worth noting that at the time of the offense, Gonzalez was on federal supervised release for a prior federal drug trafficking crime in the Southern District of Texas.
"Operation Ceasefire just delivered a resounding message to those drug traffickers looking to exploit innocent Virginians: justice will prevail," said Attorney General Miyares. "Together, we stand firm in our commitment to upholding the law and ensuring a safer Virginia. This successful prosecution not only safeguards our communities but also serves as a stark reminder that those engaging in illegal enterprises will face severe consequences."
Gonzalez has been sentenced to 120 months' imprisonment for charges of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. In addition, he received an additional term of 30 months in prison for violating his federal supervised release from his prior conviction.
The announcement was made by Attorney General Miyares, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Jessica D. Aber, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration's Washington Division Jarod Forget, and Chesterfield County Chief of Police Colonel Jeffrey S. Katz.
This case highlights the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking and protect communities from the devastating consequences of drug abuse. The successful prosecution of Gonzalez sends a strong message to other potential drug traffickers that they will face severe consequences for their actions.
The Attorney General's Operation Ceasefire initiative continues to make significant strides in addressing gun and gang violence. Through a combination of prosecution and prevention efforts, this initiative aims to create safer communities and protect innocent lives from the harmful effects of drug trafficking.
As the fight against drug trafficking continues, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors remain dedicated to upholding the law and holding those involved in drug trafficking accountable for their actions. The sentencing of Gonzalez serves as a reminder that justice will prevail and that those who engage in illegal activities will face severe consequences.
Virginia residents can rest assured that their safety and security are a top priority for law enforcement agencies and the Attorney General's office. Through ongoing operations and initiatives like Operation Ceasefire, law enforcement will continue to work tirelessly to protect communities and ensure a safer Virginia.