HOUSTON — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Texas, Southern), published as received.
HOUSTON – A 39-year-old Houston resident has been ordered to federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, felon in possession of a firearm, and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
A federal jury convicted Jorge Morales Jan. 16 following a four-day trial.
U.S. District Judge Bennett ordered Morales to serve a total of 264 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Morales’ criminal history was a significant factor in determining the sentence.
At trial, the jury heard that Morales sold firearms and kilogram quantities of crystal meth to an undercover agent.
Morales had also used his Instagram account to solicit and negotiate the sales of firearms and narcotics.
Morales has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Texas Department of Public Safety and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Stabe prosecuted the case.
