Former Donna resident pleads guilty in multi-million dollar cocaine distribution case
Donna, Texas – A 25-year-old former Donna resident has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, according to an announcement made by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The case stems from a narcotics transaction observed by authorities in May 2024 involving Carlos Chacon and 42-year-old Mexican national Sergio Ivan Beas Rivera.
Chacon admitted in court that he supplied a large quantity of cocaine to Beas Rivera during the incident. Law enforcement officers, who had been conducting surveillance, observed the handoff and initiated a traffic stop shortly after Rivera drove away. Inside the vehicle Rivera was operating, authorities discovered “31 cellphone wrapped bundles which weighed approximately 34 kilograms and tested positive for cocaine.” The seized narcotics were estimated to have a street value of approximately $2 million.
Beas Rivera had previously admitted guilt for his involvement, telling the court he was fully aware of the narcotics in his possession and intended to distribute them. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 13 by U.S. District Judge Drew Tipton and remains in federal custody as he awaits the outcome.
Chacon, meanwhile, is set to be sentenced on September 16 by Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane. He faces a possible sentence of up to life in federal prison and a maximum fine of $10 million. Chacon has been allowed to remain free on bond while he awaits his sentencing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation with support from the Hidalgo County Constable’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia is handling the prosecution.
