Eduardo Nevares Convicted of Drug and Firearm Charges After Texas Car Chase

Eduardo Nevares, a 46-year-old man from Houston, has been convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The conviction follows a federal jury trial that concluded on October 8, after two days of proceedings. The jury took approximately two hours to reach their verdict.

The charges against Nevares stem from an incident where law enforcement attempted to stop him for an expired vehicle registration. Instead of complying, Nevares led authorities on a chase that ended dramatically when he crashed through two chain-link fences. His vehicle eventually stalled on a baseball field at a public school in Alief, Texas. Nevares then attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended by authorities.

Upon searching Nevares' vehicle, law enforcement discovered a .45-caliber pistol on the driver's seat. Additionally, methamphetamine and cocaine were found in Nevares' pocket. A more thorough search of the vehicle uncovered more than a pound of methamphetamine with a purity level of 96%, along with baggies, a scale, and loaded pistol magazines.

During the trial, Nevares' defense argued that he was unaware of the methamphetamine found in a black duffle bag in the back seat of his vehicle. However, the jury rejected this argument and found him guilty as charged.

U. S. District Judge David Hittner presided over the trial and has scheduled Nevares' sentencing for December 29.

Nevares faces a potential life sentence and a possible maximum fine of $10 million. He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

The investigation leading to Nevares' conviction was conducted by the Bureau for Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Houston Police Department, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration South Central Laboratory. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Hagerman and Tanja Titre.