Bobby G. Woodson (3-8- 1971), a resident of Houston, was convicted on June 2, 2010 of Possession of Marihuana. Mr. Woodson was stopped at the Santa Checkpoint on September 22, 2009 while driving a car with 22 pounds of marijuana placed in a false compartment in the backseat. He initially claimed not to know that the marijuana was in the car. Woodson also denied knowing who owned the car. Woodson was indicted on October 22, 2009 but initially failed to appear on November 2009. He was later caught on a warrant. He was sentenced to 3 years in prison. Coronado sentenced to Prison for transportation of Marijuana

James Coronado (10-29- 1981), a resident of Brownsville, was convicted on June 2, 2010 of Possession of Marijuana. Mr. Coronado was stopped at the Santa Checkpoint on June 29, 2009 while riding a bus while secreting 23 pounds of marijuana placed in bags underneath the bus. Coronado gave a statement to the Border Patrol admitting ownership of the marijuana. Coronado was indicted on July 23, 2009 but initially failed to appear on August of 2009. He was later caught on a warrant. He was sentenced to 3 years in prison. Port Isabel native found “Not Guilty” of possession of marijuana

Nicholas Gonzalez was found “Not Guilty” on June 8, 2010 after a two day trial. Gonzalez was stopped at the Santa checkpoint on September 3, 2009 while driving an RV with over 300 pounds loaded into the rear wall accessed by a mirror in the back bedroom of the vehicle. Conflicting explanations and circumstantial evidence lead to his arrest and indictment. Jurors polled after the trial said they believed the Defendant was guilty, but there just wasn’t enough evidence. District Attorney Hubert said he was disappointed with the verdict but understood that the jury had a difficult job to do. “There just wasn’t much to go on in this case to tie the Defendant to knowing the marijuana was there. The State doesn’t control the availability of the evidence, the Defendant does. The Sheriff’s Office tried its best to develop enough prior to trial to tip the edge over the ‘reasonable doubt’ threshold. We thought he was guilty too and were hoping that maybe something would shake loose during trial. But, in the end it wasn’t enough for the jury.” Local man placed on felony probation for illegally hunting nalgai and cutting a fence

Francisco Longoria (11-2- 1980), a Kingsville resident, was placed on felony probation on June 2, 2010 for 5 years after being prosecuted for illegally hunting nalgai and cutting the fence on private property. Mr. Longoria, along with several codefendants, shot the nalgai from a vehicle then came back later to pick up the animal. In getting the animal through the fence, the fence was cut. Several co-defendants still have cases pending. The illegal hunt was actually considered a theft of a hunt, which the owner sold for $3,500. Cutting a fence that was used to contain exotic game or livestock is also a felony offense. He was also ordered to pay $3,500 to the victim of the offense for restitution. “Hunting is now a business in South Texas. In times with a hurting economy we need hunters to come and spend their money locally,” stated the District Attorney, John Hubert, “This is not only a crime that hurts the land owner, but one that hurts other businesses such as restaurants that cater to the hunting and eco-tourism industry.”

Gutierrez sentenced to prison

On March 1, 2010, Jose Isidoro Gutierrez (11/10/1973), a native of Raymondville, was sentenced to 7 years in prison for possession of marijuana arising from a stop at the Santa checkpoint. Prompt investigation by the U.S. Border Patrol and the Kleberg County Sheriff’s Office revealed 88 pounds of marijuana hidden in the vehicle in which he was traveling.

Probation revoked for Castillo

Juan Dedios Castillo (7-18- 1974), a resident of Brownsville, plead true to allegations that he violated his probation for the original offense of Possession of Marijuana and was sentenced to 5 years in prison. Castillo was originally convicted at trial on October 2, 2006 and was placed on probation by the jury. After violating conditions of his probation, his probation was revoked and he was sentenced to prison on April 1, 2010.