Alamo teen faces life in prison for using gun to 'protect' drugs

ALAMO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An 18-year-old Alamo resident pleaded guilty to possessing weapons for drug trafficking, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Emiliano Cabriales was riding as a passenger on May 29 when law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on the car he was in. During a search of the vehicle authorities discovered a gun concealed beneath Cabriales' seat.

Additionally, 14 grams of cocaine, packaged in little baggies, were found hidden in Cabriales' pants. He admitted that the cocaine was his.

Cabriales also admitted that he had the firearm in case he had to protect himself and the drugs.

He is scheduled to be sentenced March 11, 2025. At that time he faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

He will remain in custody until his sentencing.