Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 45-year-old Corpus Man has been found guilty for trafficking more than a kilogram of cocaine as well as being a felon in possession of both a firearm and ammunition, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. The federal jury deliberated for approximately 40 minutes following a one-day trial before convicting Elias Gonzalez Alvarez on all counts as charged.

Authorities had learned that Alvarez had been engaged in trafficking cocaine and, on May 12, 2015, conducted surveillance on his apartment in Corpus Christi. Authorities stopped him for a traffic violation as he left his residence. His license was found to be suspended and Alavarez was arrested. At that time, they conducted a search of his vehicle and discovered a box with a bag inside that contained 1.01 kilograms of cocaine.

A search warrant was also executed on his residence, where authorities found a .38 caliber handgun and ammunition. Alvarez is a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.

Alavarez attempted to convince the jury the drugs found in his vehicle and the gun and ammunition discovered in his apartment did not belong to him. They did not believe his claims and found him guilty as charged.

Senior U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey presided over the trial and has set sentencing for Nov. 21, 2017. At that time, Alvarez faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $5 million maximum fine.

The Texas Department of Public Safety investigated the case with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.