CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – A 29-year-old Mexican national has been sentenced to five years in federal prison after admitting to possessing cocaine with intent to distribute, federal prosecutors announced this week.
According to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei, Azael Sotelo-Espinoza pleaded guilty on October 22, 2025, and was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge David Morales to 60 months in prison. The court ordered that Sotelo-Espinoza, who is not a U.S. citizen, face removal proceedings following his imprisonment and may not return to the United States without legal authorization.
Court documents show the case began on August 15, 2025, when law enforcement stopped a white Chevrolet Silverado for a defective light. Sotelo-Espinoza, the driver, appeared visibly nervous, gave inconsistent statements, and exhibited signs of distress during questioning. An inspection revealed a second battery in the engine compartment showing signs of tampering.
An X-ray scan and K-9 search led to the discovery of two duct-taped packages concealed inside the battery. The bundles, weighing approximately 2.34 kilograms, tested positive for cocaine. Officers also found jumper cables and a wrench matching the altered battery terminals, along with evidence that Sotelo-Espinoza had deleted messages from his phone before the stop. Investigators determined the vehicle had made repeated trips between the Rio Grande Valley and Houston.
Key details:
- Azael Sotelo-Espinoza sentenced to 60 months in federal prison
- 2.34 kilograms of cocaine found hidden in vehicle battery
- Defendant to face removal proceedings after serving sentence
Sotelo-Espinoza remains in custody awaiting transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be designated in the coming weeks.