The investigation into 32-year-old Blane Spear, a.k.a. Jonathan Garza, began in June 2024 for allegedly selling large amounts of methamphetamine in the Austin area.
AUSTIN, Texas — An Austin man has been sentenced to nearly 20 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, an investigation into 32-year-old Blane Spear, a.k.a. Jonathan Garza, began in June 2024 for allegedly selling large amounts of methamphetamine in the Austin area.
A search warrant was executed at Spear’s residence in August 2024, with Austin police discovering he was in possession of two small bags containing methamphetamine. Police also discovered more than 1,291 grams of methamphetamine, 89 grams of fentanyl, 309 grams cocaine, 159 grams of heroin, and more than $10,000 in cash.
APD also discovered Spear, who had previously been convicted of multiple felonies, possessed 11 pistols, three of which had been previously been reported as stolen and one of which was equipped with a machine gun conversion device.
Spear was indicted in federal court on Oct. 15, 2024, and was transferred into federal custody on Oct. 29. 2024. He was charged with two counts: possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm.
Spear pleaded guilty to both counts on Dec. 4, 2025, and on March 25, 2026, U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman sentenced Spear to 235 months, or 19 years and seven months, in federal prison on the meth trafficking count and a concurrent 180 months, or 15 years, in prison for the firearm possession charge.
The FBI and APD investigated the case, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.