Jose Francisco Arredondo, the 33-year-old Alice man known as ‘Cocaine Pepe,’ is headed to federal prison after being caught with a loaded firearm, over $11,000 in cash, and nearly 170 grams of hard drugs—including 112 grams of meth—at a local hotel in April. The self-styled dealer, with 28 prior arrests, now faces a 151-month sentence followed by five years of supervised release.
On April 9, law enforcement responded to a disturbance call and found Arredondo sitting in a vehicle with the engine running and headlights blazing. As officers approached, a firearm was clearly visible in the center console. Knowing Arredondo was a convicted felon, authorities conducted a full search, unearthing four bags of narcotics: 112 grams of meth, 56 grams of cocaine, 13 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, defaced firearm, and stacks of lottery tickets.
Arredondo pleaded guilty on August 19 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. At today’s sentencing, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos delivered the 151-month prison term, citing Arredondo’s long criminal record and repeated arrests involving guns and drugs. ‘Previous jail time didn’t stick,’ Judge Ramos stated. ‘This defendant has terrorized the Alice and Jim Wells County community for years.’
Prosecutors detailed how Arredondo operated as one of the primary narcotics suppliers in the area, flooding the streets with meth, cocaine, and steroids. Despite multiple stints in jail, he returned each time with the same pattern: weapons, drugs, and cash. The April bust was not an anomaly—it was the latest chapter in a life of persistent criminality.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Office, and Alice Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Marin, who emphasized the danger Arredondo posed to public safety.
Arredondo will remain in federal custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility. The defaced firearm and seized narcotics will remain evidence, while the $11,000 in cash is subject to forfeiture proceedings. His supervised release, should he ever return, will be closely monitored by federal authorities.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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