DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Eastern District of Texas

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, September 14, 2016
John M. Bales
, United States Attorney
Contact: Davilyn Walston

Smith County Man Sentenced for Drug Violations

TYLER, Texas – A 23-year-old Tyler, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

Jose Maldonado Barragan was found guilty by a jury on Feb. 10, 2016, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, aiding and abetting, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm while illegally in the United States, and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Barragan was sentenced to 248 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider on Sep. 13, 2016.

According to information presented in court, the Defendant supplied methamphetamine for several months in the spring of 2014. An eight-ounce seizure occurred in Palestine, Texas on Mar. 31, 2014 which was later tied to the Defendant. Additionally, a four-pound seizure occurred on May 12, 2014 in Tyler, Texas. The Defendant’s fingerprints were later found on the packaging. Barragan was indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 28, 2015.

Barragan was also ordered to forfeit $50,000 cash and a vehicle.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Texas Department of Public Safety and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary Ann Cozby and Ryan Locker.

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Houston Field Division