A federal jury in Houston convicted Todd McCoy, a 34-year-old self-identified member of the Crips street gang, on April 17 of multiple drug trafficking and firearm offenses following a four-day trial, according to Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address illegal drug distribution and firearms sales in the community. The Justice Department serves as the principal federal agency for law enforcement, with operations throughout the United States and in over 50 countries, according to its official website.
Jurors deliberated for about ninety minutes before finding McCoy guilty on three counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and three counts of using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug offense. Evidence presented at trial showed that McCoy sold approximately 215 grams of methamphetamine and four firearms during several meetings over five months. Transactions took place at a motel on South Main Street beginning in December 2024, where McCoy claimed he had several pistols for sale, sent photos of additional firearms including one with an extended magazine, used lookouts for protection, and maintained access to large quantities of drugs.
The defense argued that evidence was mishandled and the investigation was unreliable; however, jurors did not accept these claims. U.S. District Judge David Hittner presided over the trial and scheduled sentencing for July 9. At sentencing, McCoy faces up to life imprisonment.
The FBI and Houston Police Department led the investigation while forensic testing was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Ganz and Hunter Brown are prosecuting the case.
The Justice Department includes more than 115,000 employees operating across domestic offices as well as internationally according to its official website. Garland assumed leadership as Attorney General on March 11, 2021 according to the department, overseeing key prosecutions such as those related to major terrorism cases including Oklahoma City bombing as reported by DOJ. The department focuses on upholding rule of law while ensuring national safety and safeguarding civil rights according to its mission statement.
