Related Federal Cases
- Dhamari Jordan, Cocaine and Firearms Trafficking, Malden MA, 2023 · New York
- Shannell Gosine Admits Coast-to-Coast Cocaine Trafficking, Buffalo … · Texas
- Shannell Gosine Admits to Cross-Country Cocaine Trafficking, Buffal… · Texas
- Shannell Gosine, Cocaine Trafficking, Houston TX, 2023-2025 · Texas
- Erin House, Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Cocaine Trafficking, Akron O… · Texas
Azael Sotelo-Espinoza, 29, Sentenced to 5 Years for Cocaine Trafficking in Texas
A 29-year-old Mexican national, Azael Sotelo-Espinoza, has been ordered to serve 60 months in federal prison for possessing narcotics with the intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
According to the investigation, on August 15, 2025, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a white Chevrolet Silverado for a defective light. Sotelo-Espinoza was driving and appeared nervous, sweating, and his hands were shaking. He gave inconsistent statements about his travels.
Authorities observed a second battery in the engine compartment that displayed evidence of tampering. An X-ray scan showed the batteries lacked internal components, and a K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics. Further investigation revealed two bundles wrapped in duct tape and electrical tape inside the battery. The packages weighed approximately 2.34 kilograms and tested positive for cocaine.
A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered jumper cables and a wrench that fit the terminals on the battery located in the back seat. Authorities also discovered Sotelo-Espinoza had deleted cell phone messages before they approached him and that the vehicle he was driving had made frequent trips from the Rio Grande Valley to Houston, returning the same day.
Sotelo-Espinoza pleaded guilty on October 22, 2025, and was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge David Morales. He is not a U.S. citizen and is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. The court noted Sotelo-Espinoza was not to return to the United States without permission.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Kingsville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmine K. Tucker prosecuted the case. Sotelo-Espinoza has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug Trafficking