Alamo teen sentenced to 5 years for using gun to ‘protect’ drugs

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A 19-year-old was sentenced for using a firearm during drug trafficking activity, the United States Attorney's Office announced.

Alamo resident, Emiliano Cabriales pleaded guilty on Dec. 5, 2024.

On May 29, 2024, authorities conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle, where Cabriales was a passenger, a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office stated.

During the vehicle search, authorities discovered a firearm concealed beneath the seat where Cabriales was sitting.

After further investigating, authorities found 14 grams of cocaine packed in individual baggies, that were hidden inside his pants.

The release added that Cabriales admitted to possessing the cocaine and stated he carried the firearm in case he "had to protect himself and the drugs."

The U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has given Cabriales a five-year prison term, followed by three years of supervised release.

Cabriales is pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons.