Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A Philadelphia man has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for attempting to smuggle cocaine through a Border Patrol checkpoint near Kingsville, Texas. Christopher Seabrook, 50, was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine on November 22, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzalez Ramos ordered Seabrook to serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. During the sentencing hearing, the court reviewed evidence showing that Seabrook fled from the checkpoint and led law enforcement on a high-speed chase. Judge Ramos noted that this flight made his offense potentially more dangerous.
The incident occurred on July 25, 2024, when Seabrook approached the checkpoint driving a Chrysler sedan with two passengers. After an initial inspection, he fled and led authorities on a chase reaching speeds up to 125 miles per hour. Law enforcement stopped the vehicle by puncturing its tires, after which Seabrook attempted to flee on foot. A search of his vehicle revealed ten bundles of cocaine weighing 9.8 kilograms hidden in the rear panels.
“High-speed flight by smugglers or human traffickers represents a significant threat to public safety,” stated U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. “Thankfully, the quick action of law enforcement allowed for the apprehension of Mr. Seabrook without injury to the public, officers, or the defendant himself.”
Authorities estimated that the narcotics had a street value of $210,000.
Seabrook will remain in custody until he is transferred to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility yet to be determined.
The investigation was conducted by Border Patrol and Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from Texas Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Lamont and Ashley Pruitt prosecuted the case.
