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Date: 05-18-2021
Case Style:
Case Number: 7:20-cr-01528
Judge: Randy Crane
Court: United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas (Hidalgo County)
Plaintiff's Attorney: United States' Attorney's Office
Defendant's Attorney:
Description: McAllen, Texas criminal defense lawyer represented Defendant charged with conspiracy to possess and distribute meth.
Eugenio Perez Jr., age 49, from Misssion, Texas was charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methwitnesses.
Authorities discovered 1.6 kilograms of meth while investigating a drag racing incident that resulted in a two-car collision.
At trial, the jury heard from a local police officer who explained how Perez crashed into an SUV pulling out of a parking lot. The officer approached Perez after observing him pull a bag from his truck’s cab and place it into the bed of the truck. He instructed Perez not take anything from the vehicle.
Perez’s daughter arrived on the scene. At that time, she took the bag from the bed of the truck and placed it in her car, according to testimony.
The officer further testified that he stopped her from leaving the area and asked her to show him what was inside the bag. The daughter opened the bag which was found to contain approximately 1.6 kilograms of meth.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that law enforcement had rushed to judgment and did not perform an adequate and thorough enough investigation to convict Perez. The jury disagreed and found him guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge Randy Crane presided over trial and set sentencing for July 27, 2021. At that time, Perez faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison as well as a possible $10 million fine.
Previously released on bond, Perez was taken into custody following the sentencing today where he will remain pending that hearing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Palmview Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Mitchell and M. Alexis Garcia prosecuted the case.
Outcome: 05/18/2021 54 CHARGE TO THE JURY as to Eugenio Perez, Jr, filed. (YeseniaIbarra, 7) (Entered: 05/18/2021)
05/18/2021 Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Randy Crane: SECOND DAY OF JURY TRIAL as to Eugenio Perez, Jr. held on 5/18/2021. Outside the presence of the Jurors, the Court reviewed the jury charge with counsel. Later, the jurors entered the courtroom and the Court read the Jury Charge. At 9:20 AM, the Government presented closing arguments, Defense followed. At 10:07 AM, the Court dismissed jurors to commence deliberations. At 11:16 AM, the Court announced a verdict of "Guilty" as to Count 1 and 2. The Court excused the jurors and remanded the defendant to the custody of the US Marshal. Appearances: Michael L. Mitchell/M. Alexis Garcia, AUSA; Jaime Pena/Robert L. Steindel/Michael A. Saldana, Ret; S. Solis, US Probation-Mc.(ERO:Ricardo Rodriguez) (Interpreter: Elena Medrano-not used.) Deft remanded to custody of the Marshal., filed.(DeliaRodriguez, 7) (Entered: 05/18/2021)
05/18/2021 55 ORDER to provide meal to jury on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 as to Eugenio Perez, Jr ( Signed by Judge Randy Crane) Parties notified. (YeseniaIbarra, 7) (Entered: 05/18/2021)
05/18/2021 56 JURY VERDICT, filed. # 1 Unredacted attachment) (YeseniaIbarra, 7). (Entered: 05/18/2021)
05/18/2021 57 ORDER for Presentence Investigation and Disclosure & Sentencing Dates as to Eugenio Perez, Jr. PSI Completion due by 6/22/2021 Objection to PSI due by 7/6/2021 Final PSI due by 7/20/2021 Sentencing set for 7/27/2021 at 09:00 AM before Judge Randy Crane ( Signed by Judge Randy Crane) Parties notified. (YeseniaIbarra, 7) (Entered: 05/18/2021)
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Defendant's Experts:
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