McALLEN, Texas — A South Texas man was sentenced for importing crystal meth inside a shoebox following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection with assistance from the DEA.
Jesse James Gonzalez, 23, was sentenced Sept. 17 by U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez to serve a 10-year prison term 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 where it occurs. Gonzalez pleaded guilty Sept. 27, 2023.
“People who persist in importing large quantities of crystal meth in unusual ways — in this case via shoebox — should expect to suffer harsh consequences,” said HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. "HSI will continue to bring to justice those proven to be engaged in the trafficking of dangerous controlled substances.”
According to court documents, on Nov. 29, 2022, Gonzalez attempted to enter 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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas Devin V. Walker prosecuted the case.
HSI San Antonio continues to address the serious public safety threat posed by human smuggling organizations and their reckless disregard for the health and safety of the people they exploit. To report suspicious smuggling activity, call 866-348-2423.