Manuel Moya, Narcotics Supplier, Texas 2023
Corpus Christi, Texas - In a significant blow to the local gang scene, Manuel Moya, a 28-year-old man, has been ordered to prison following his conviction of possessing a firearm as a felon and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
On April 22, authorities executed a search warrant at Moya’s residence, at which time they discovered approximately 11.2 kilograms of cocaine, 1.5 kilograms of meth, three kilograms of marijuana and over $120,000. Additionally, they found other controlled substances, including psilocybin mushrooms, crack cocaine, synthetic cannabinoid, THC oil/wax and MDMA.
The value of the cocaine and meth retrieved exceeded $774,000 and $72,000, respectively. Law enforcement also found a Century Arms Inc. pistol, Ruger rifle, two Taurus pistols, three Glock pistols, a JTS Group shotgun, body armor, high-capacity magazines and several rounds of ammunition.
Moya took responsibility for the weapons and ammunition. Furthermore, they discovered several ledgers that documented Moya’s controlled substance distribution activities and a notebook with instructions on how to make drugs. Other supplies were found in the search, including glassware with residue of controlled substances, bags, equipment for vacuum sealing, weight scales, small sandwich bags, money counters and razor blades.
The investigation revealed Moya was a local gang member and a drug supplier to the Mexican Mafia. He distributed narcotics on both an individual and large-scale basis.
Moya has been previously convicted of possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of cocaine and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. As such, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.
On July 27, Moya pleaded guilty to the charges. Today, U.S. District Judge David S. Morales ordered Moya to serve 300 months in federal prison, to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations and Corpus Christi Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Parker Gochenour prosecuted the case.
Defendant: Manuel Moya
Criminal Charges: Possessing a firearm as a felon and possession with intent to distribute cocaine
City and State: Corpus Christi, Texas
Exact Date: April 22, 2023
Sentence or Outcome: 300 months in federal prison, to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release
Dollar Amounts: Over $120,000, $774,000, $72,000
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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