Texas Man Sentenced for his Involvement in Multi-Drug Conspiracy

Gulfport, Miss. - Jose Luis Chavez a/k/a "Big Head," 47, of Edinburg, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 143 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, and 100 grams or more of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Chavez was also ordered to pay a $15,000 fine.

In March 2016, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration opened an investigation into the drug trafficking organization of Chavez. Agents learned and confirmed Chavez was a major source of supply of cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine and heroin for the Mississippi Gulf Coast. With the help of at least three others, Chavez conspired to traffic these narcotics from Texas to Mississippi. Agents arrested Chavez in Texas, and brought him to Mississippi for prosecution. Chavez pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge on January 26, 2018.

The case was investigated by the DEA and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.