United States Drug Enforcement Administration

(LUBBOCK, - Texas - Christopher David Gonzales, aka “Chris,” 41, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings to 121 months in federal prison, following his guilty plea in December 2016 to his role in a methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana distribution conspiracy.  The sentencing was jointly announced by Clyde E. Shelley, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of Dallas’ Drug Enforcement Administration Division and U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.

Twelve individuals were arrested and charged with similar federal offenses, stemming from their respective roles in a drug distribution conspiracy that operated in West Texas.  Of those arrested, each defendant has pled guilty.  Two defendants remain fugitives.

According to plea documents filed in the case, on August 18, 2015, Gonzales was observed traveling in a 2009 black Dodge Pickup, from Big Spring, Texas.  The vehicle arrived at a residence in Lamesa, Texas. This residence had been identified as being used as a “stash” location.  Later that same day a Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper conducted a traffic stop on the black Dodge Ram for failure to use a signal light during a lane change.  The trooper identified the driver as Christopher David Gonzales. When asked if he had anything illegal in his vehicle, Gonzales admitted to the trooper that there was methamphetamine in the center console. A search of the vehicle revealed a baggie containing methamphetamine in the center console.

A laboratory analysis was done on the substance seized from Gonzales. The substance weighed 174.2 grams with 92.0% purity level.

The Texas Department of Public Safety and the DEA investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Juanita Fielden and Sean Long prosecuted this case.