Five Corpus Christi residents are behind bars after a federal sting targeting illegal firearms and methamphetamine sales at a local tattoo parlor. Authorities executed multiple search warrants in a coordinated takedown, charging Annabella Lynn Davila, 20, and Travis Robert Hellman, 34, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The operation, led by ATF and Corpus Christi Police Department Narcotics Division, centered on the Touch of Ink tattoo parlor, where banned individuals allegedly sold guns and drugs.
Carlos Virgilio Hernandez, 30, and John Rudy Hernandez, 27, were each charged with possession of a firearm after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence—prohibiting them from legally owning weapons. Abelardo Garza Jr., 33, was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm. All five were tied to sales during an undercover operation in which agents purchased multiple firearms from prohibited persons.
Davila and Hellman allegedly went beyond guns. During one transaction, Hellman agreed to sell methamphetamine, which Davila personally delivered, according to the criminal complaint. The indictment details a pattern of criminal activity at the tattoo shop, where the sale of firearms was routinely conducted by individuals barred under federal law from possessing either weapons or ammunition.
All defendants except Hellman made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge B. Janice Ellington, who ordered them into custody pending a detention hearing set for Feb. 14 at 9:00 am. Hellman was taken into custody the previous night on unrelated charges and is expected to appear in federal court soon. Authorities emphasized that the arrests are part of a broader crackdown on gun trafficking and drug distribution networks in South Texas.
Those convicted of firearm possession under these charges face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances carry a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and a possible $1 million fine. Prosecutors say the penalties reflect the severity of arming prohibited individuals and flooding neighborhoods with deadly drugs.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt is prosecuting the cases. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick praised the collaboration, calling it a direct hit against violent crime infrastructure operating in plain sight.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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