Benjamin Govella, Meth Trafficking with Firearm, Texas 2020

A 42-year-old Corpus Christi man has been found guilty of meth trafficking with a firearm.

Benjamin Govella, 42, entered a guilty plea to possessing a semi-automatic handgun in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime as well as possession with intent to distribute meth, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

On November 18, 2020, authorities executed a federal arrest warrant on Govella, who was riding a bicycle near an apartment complex in Corpus Christi. At that time, he possessed a backpack containing a Ruger SR9C 9mm pistol and nearly 50 grams of pure meth as well as two loaded magazines and a scale.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) conducted the investigation with the assistance of the CCPD Narcotics Vice Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Reid Manning is prosecuting the case.

U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton accepted the plea and set sentencing for July 29. At that time, Govella faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine.

Govella has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

The exact criminal charges against Govella are possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and possession with intent to distribute meth.

Govella’s crime occurred in Corpus Christi, Texas, on November 18, 2020.

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