Birmingham, Alabama – In a shocking turn of events, Juan Luis Salas-Jimenez, 19, pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm and drug trafficking charges in a Birmingham courtroom.
According to the plea agreement, on September 1, 2021, officers with the Calera Police Department conducted a lawful traffic stop on Salas-Jimenez, leading to the discovery of cocaine and a firearm in his possession.
During the search of Salas-Jimenez’s vehicle, officers found a small baggie containing crack cocaine under the driver’s side front seat, a grocery bag containing crack cocaine inside a backpack on the passenger’s side back seat, a large scale, a small digital scale, a roll of vacuum sealed bags, and a Smith and Wesson revolver.
The maximum penalty for possession with intent to distribute cocaine is 20 years in prison and a fine of no more than $250,000. The maximum penalty for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person is 10 years in prison and a fine of not more than $250,000. The minimum penalty for possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime is five years in prison, which must run consecutive to any other sentence, and a fine of no more than $10,000,000.
Salas-Jimenez faces up to 35 years in prison and $500,000 in fines. He is currently being held without bond and is set to be sentenced at a later date.
Homeland Security Investigations along with the Calera Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Darius Greene is prosecuting the case.
Defendant: Juan Luis Salas-Jimenez
Criminal Charges: Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
City and State: Birmingham, Alabama
Exact Date: September 1, 2021
Sentence or Outcome: Pleaded guilty, faces up to 35 years in prison and $500,000 in fines
Dollar Amounts: $250,000, $10,000,000
Related Federal Cases
- Devon Martez Easley, Gun and Drug Charges, Alabama 2020 · Alabama
- Randy Hasan Abdurrahim, Felon in Possession of Firearm and Drug Charges, Alabama 2021 · Alabama
- Deon Evans, Gun and Drug Trafficking, Illinois 2022 · Indiana
- Tahji Alonzo Orr, Marijuana and Gun Trafficking, Alabama 2022 · Alabama
- Jason Jeremiah Jones, Cocaine and Heroin Trafficking, Alabama 2020 – 17.5 Years · Alabama
Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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