AUSTIN, Texas — An Austin man was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking and firearm possession, according to U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons.
Blane Spear, also known as Jonathan Garza, a 32-year-old from Austin, was investigated in June 2024 for selling large amounts of methamphetamine in the area, according to court documents. On August 26, 2024, Austin Police executed a search warrant at Spear’s residence, discovering over 1,291 grams of methamphetamine, 89 grams of fentanyl, 309 grams of cocaine, 159 grams of heroin, and more than $10,000 in U.S. currency. Additionally, Spear, who had multiple prior felony convictions, was found in possession of 11 pistols, three of which were reported stolen, and one equipped with a machine gun conversion device.
Spear was federally indicted on October 15, 2024, and transferred into federal custody on October 29, 2024. He was charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Spear pleaded guilty to both counts on December 4, 2025. U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman sentenced him to 235 months in federal prison for meth trafficking and a concurrent 180 months for firearm possession.
“This case serves as yet another great example of the cohesiveness that makes our federal and local law enforcement partnerships work as well as they do,” said U.S. Attorney Simmons. “The Austin Police Department investigated a significant tip that, while rejected by the state, resulted in a great federal case and led to a career criminal being removed from our community for two decades.”
“This sentence sends a clear message that those who traffic dangerous drugs and illegally possess firearms will be held accountable,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran of the FBI San Antonio Field Office. “Acting on a referral from the Austin Police Department, we worked together to disrupt a major drug trafficking operation. Through the FBI Austin Safe Streets Task Force, dangerous offenders are brought to justice—helping keep our communities safe.”
The FBI and Austin Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Guess prosecuted the case.