Houston Felon Convicted of Trafficking Methamphetamine and Possessing Firearm
HOUSTON – A 46-year-old man has been convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
A federal jury deliberated for approximately two hours before convicting Eduardo Nevares Oct. 8 following a two-day trial.At trial, the jury heard that law enforcement attempted to stop Nevares for an expired vehicle registration. Nevares refused to pull over and led authorities on a chase that ended when he crashed through two chain-link fences and his vehicle stalled on a baseball field at an Alief, Texas public school. He then attempted to flee on foot before authorities apprehended him.
Law enforcement discovered a .45-caliber pistol on the driver’s seat and methamphetamine and cocaine in his pocket.
A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed more than a pound of methamphetamine with a purity level of 96%, along with baggies, a scale, and loaded pistol magazines.
The defense argued Nevares was unaware of the methamphetamine inside a black duffle bag in the back seat. However, the jury rejected that argument and found him guilty as charged. U.S. District Judge David Hittner presided over the trial and set sentencing for Dec. 29. At that time, Nevares faces up to life in prison and a possible maximum $10 million fine.
Nevares has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
The Bureau for Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration South Central Laboratory. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Hagerman and Tanja Titre are prosecuting the case.
