CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 29-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been ordered to federal prison for possession with intent to distribute meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Robert James Blanco pleaded guilty Sept. 7, 2021.
Today, U.S. District Judge David S. Morales sentenced Blanco to 130 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that detailed Blanco’s responsibility for 5,486 kilograms of narcotics and multiple arrests with narcotics and firearms. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Blanco’s multiple arrests for narcotics, weapons possession and violent crimes.
The investigation started in December 2020 when law enforcement discovered Blanco was posting in a social media chat room that he was selling meth, heroin, ecstasy and more in Corpus Christi. Undercover officers then purchased meth from Blanco on several occasions. On March 1, 2021, authorities attempted to stop a vehicle Blanco was driving when he crashed into other vehicles while trying to flee.
On Feb. 16, 2021, authorities arrested Blanco with a loaded firearm, $1,330 and various narcotics including 30.65 grams of meth.
He will remain in federal prison pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Corpus Christi Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Marin prosecuted the case.