A federal grand jury has indicted Enrique Gonzalez Jacobo, a 59-year-old Mexican national, for attempting to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and for being an illegal alien in the United States following prior felony convictions and deportations. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson.
Court records reveal that Gonzalez Jacobo has been deported to Mexico at least four times and holds three felony convictions linked to drug trafficking. In July 2024, he was found in Hilo, Hawaii, after his removal from the U.S., and was arrested while trying to acquire a package containing over five pounds of methamphetamine concealed within a stuffed animal.
If found guilty of these charges, Gonzalez Jacobo could face a life sentence, with a mandatory minimum term of ten years and a potential fine reaching $10 million.
"The charges in the indictment are merely accusations," the announcement stated, emphasizing that "the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law." Sentencing upon conviction would be determined by a U.S. District Judge according to statutory factors and advisory sentencing guidelines.
The case is under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Nakamura.