Pasadena Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking

A 48-year-old Pasadena, Texas, man has pled guilty to federal drug trafficking violations. The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas says Roberto Bahena-Garcia pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute -- and possession with intent to distribute -- marijuana. According to court information, in October of last year, law enforcement officers received a tip that led them to a large outdoor and (nascent) indoor marijuana growing operation in the rural area of Hull, in Liberty County. The investigation found more than 1,000 maturing marijuana plants on 225 acres on a private road. That included a trailer that was being outfitted with grow lights and heating/air conditioning for indoor cultivation -- and a 12-guage shotgun. It was discovered that Bahena-Garcia had purchased the property and hired local laborers to make improvements on it. He faces a minimum of 10 years in federal prison when he's sentenced.