U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani | U.S. Department of Justice
An 18-year-old from Alamo, Texas, has admitted to using a firearm in connection with drug trafficking. U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani announced the plea by Emiliano Cabriales, who was involved in an incident on May 29 when law enforcement stopped a vehicle in which he was a passenger.
During the search of the vehicle, officers found a firearm under the seat where Cabriales was sitting. Additionally, about 14 grams of cocaine packaged in separate baggies were discovered hidden in his pants. Cabriales confessed to possessing both the cocaine and the firearm, stating that he had the weapon for protection.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton is scheduled to sentence Cabriales on March 11, 2025. The charges could result in a life sentence in federal prison and up to a $250,000 fine.
Cabriales remains in custody while awaiting sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Alamo Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan is handling prosecution duties as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through community-oriented strategies. In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized PSN's role in curbing gun violence as part of a broader strategy involving trust-building within communities and strategic law enforcement priorities.
