An Austin man with a wrap sheet boasting four felony convictions is staring down the barrel of a possible decade-long stint in federal prison after his recent run-in with the law. According to an indictment released by the U.S. Attorney's Office Western District of Texas, 34-year-old Cliofa Delacruz now faces charges for crimes that include alleged drug trafficking and being felon in possession of firearm.
Delacruz's latest brush with law enforcement came to a head after he reportedly rammed a police vehicle in an attempt to evade capture. The aftermath of the chase revealed more than just bent bumpers - officers unearthed a stash of methamphetamine and a loaded gun in his vehicle. This combo of drugs and guns compounded the gravity of Delacruz's situation as he now faces one count for possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, alongside counts for firearm possession violations.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza didn't mince words when making the announcement. The involvement of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Austin Police Department underscore the case's significance.
Doug Gardner, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, is at the helm of the prosecution. With the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and various statutory factors in their arsenal, the federal district court will determine Delacruz's fate. While each count could unfold into 10 years behind bars and a fine up to $250,000, an indictment is not a conviction. It's worth remembering, as noted in the court documents, that all defendants, including Delacruz, are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
