Young drug dealer admits to having weapon for “protection”

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas | Press Release

An 18-year-old Alamo resident has pleaded guilty to utilizing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

On May 29, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in which Emiliano Cabriales was a passenger. During a subsequent search, law enforcement discovered a firearm concealed beneath the seat where Cabriales had been sitting.

Further investigation revealed approximately 14 grams of cocaine, packaged in individual baggies, hidden inside Cabriales’ pants. He admitted to possessing the cocaine. He further admitted he had the firearm in case he had to protect himself and the drugs.

U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton will impose sentencing March 11, 2025. At that time, he faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Cabriales has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Alamo Police Department conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan is prosecuting the case as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old, evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.