Antonio Cortez Gonzales Sentenced to 11+ Years for Coke Weed Ring, …

TYLER, TX – Antonio Cortez Gonzales, 35, of Longview, is trading his freedom for a federal cell after being sentenced to 136 months behind bars for running a drug pipeline into East Texas. U.S. Attorney John M. Bales announced the sentence today, a harsh blow against a local operation peddling poison in the Longview area.

Gonzales pleaded guilty back on October 2, 2014, to charges of conspiring with others to distribute both cocaine and marijuana. The investigation, which began with an August 28, 2013 indictment, revealed a systematic operation where drugs were shipped from Houston directly to Gonzales’ Longview residence.

Federal prosecutors laid out the details in court: Gonzales wasn’t just holding the stash. He was actively distributing the cocaine and marijuana to a network of buyers throughout the region. The operation wasn’t small-time; it was a steady flow of illicit substances that fueled addiction and crime in Longview.

But the consequences don’t stop with the prison sentence. Judge Michael H. Schneider didn’t just lock up Gonzales – he stripped him of his ill-gotten gains. As part of the sentence, Gonzales is forfeiting a hefty $336,000, his Longview residence, a vehicle, three firearms, and all associated ammunition. The feds are determined to ensure he doesn’t profit from his criminal activity, even after serving his time.

The bust was a collaborative effort, with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Texas Department of Public Safety all contributing to the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Ann Cozby skillfully prosecuted the case, securing the conviction and substantial sentence.

This case serves as a stark reminder that drug trafficking carries severe consequences. Gonzales’ 11-year sentence sends a clear message: dealing death in East Texas will not be tolerated. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on similar federal crackdowns as they unfold.