Source: United States Attorneys General
Headline: Federal Agents Make Arrests Related to Firearms and Narcotics Violations
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Authorities executed multiple search warrants and arrested five Corpus Christi residents following enforcement actions resulting in criminal complaints for federal firearms and/or narcotics violations, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Those arrested today include Annabella Lynn Davila, 20, Carlos Virgilio Hernandez, 30, and John Rudy Hernandez, 27, and Abelardo Garza Jr., 33. All made their initial appearances today before U.S. Magistrate Judge B. Janice Ellington, at which time they were ordered into custody pending a detention hearing set for Feb. 14 at 9:00 am. Travis Robert Hellman, 34, was taken into custody last night on unrelated charges and is expected to appear in federal court in the near future.
Hellman and Davila are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, while Carlos and John Hernandez are charged with possession of a firearm after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Garza was taken into custody for allegedly being a felon in possession of a firearm.
As part of an undercover operation, Special Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) Narcotics Division purchased multiple firearms from individuals operating out of the Touch of Ink tattoo parlor in Corpus Christi, according to the indictment. On each occasion, the individual selling the firearm was allegedly prohibited from possessing the firearm and/or ammunition under federal law.
Further, during one of the firearms purchases, Hellman agreed to sell methamphetamine that Davila delivered, according to the complaint.
The possession of firearms charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Those charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances face up to 20 years of imprisonment and a possible $1 million maximum fine.
The ATF and CCPD conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt is prosecuting the cases.