Corpus Christi, Texas – Joe Adam Ramirez, a 44-year-old Corpus Christi resident, has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm as a felon and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
On September 4, 2020, Ramirez was in possession of drugs and a gun. He admitted to law enforcement that he was aware of being a convicted felon and was not allowed to own a firearm. He attempted to flee on foot during a traffic stop but tripped and fell.
At the time of the arrest, authorities discovered a loaded 9mm Taurus pistol, several bags of meth, Xanax, and other prescription pills. Ramirez has five prior felony convictions involving burglary of a vehicle, burglary of a habitation, theft from a person, aggravated robbery, and possession of a controlled substance.
As a convicted felon, Ramirez is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. U.S. District Judge Nelva Ramos will impose sentencing on June 8. At that time, Ramirez faces at least 15 years and up to life in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He also faces a five-year mandatory consecutive jail term for possessing the firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Marin and John Marck are prosecuting the case. Ramirez knew he was aware of being a convicted felon and was not allowed to own a firearm. He said he ran because he did not want to go back to prison.
The mandatory facts of this case are clear: Joe Adam Ramirez, a 44-year-old Corpus Christi resident, has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm as a felon and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to the charges, Ramirez has five prior felony convictions involving burglary of a vehicle, burglary of a habitation, theft from a person, aggravated robbery, and possession of a controlled substance.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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