San Juan Man Sentenced for Gun, Drug Possession

A San Juan man will serve two 70-month sentences in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release.

In March, a DEA agent learned marijuana was about to be moved from one stash house near San Juan to another. Authorities found the home, which was near the Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge and just about a quarter-mile from the river.

Israel Avila lived at the home, which his mother owned. The 50-year-old man gave DEA agents consent to search the property. He told them they would find bundles of marijuana in a chicken coop and other buildings.

Agents also found a .38 caliber revolver and .22 rifle at the home. Avila, a convicted felon, admitted he had the weapons, even though he knew he was not allowed to own firearms.

A jury convicted him in May. He’s been in custody since his March arrest. He’ll remain in custody until he’s transferred to a Bureau of Prisons facility.