United States of America v. Ashley Nicole Ponce

Lufkin, Texas, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance -methamphetamine.

On October 30, 2024, law enforcement responded to a domestic disturbance call involving a man and a woman at a Corrigan convenience store. As a result, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle linked to the disturbance, and a search of the vehicle revealed drugs, including methamphetamine, drug trafficking paraphernalia, and a firearm. Ashley Nicole Ponce, age 36, admitted to owning the drugs and firearm. Further investigation revealed Ponce was a convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; and Corrigan Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston.

The Defendant was found guilty and was sentenced to 144 months imprisonment to be served concurrently with count 3 (concurrently to imprisonment in any future state sentence for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Docket No.: CR25-0425, and Theft of Firearm, Docket No.: CR25-0426, both out of the 258th District Court of Polk County, Texas; and consecutively to any future state probation revocation sentence for Burglary of Habitation, Docket No.: 1867972, out of the 189th District Court of Harris County, Texas), 5 years supervised release to be served concurrently with count 3, no fine, $100 special assessment, and ineligible for all federal benefits for 5 years.