From Staff Reports
An Anderson County man and Henderson County resident have been sentenced in federal court for drug trafficking violations.
The sentences were handed down Thursday by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis of the Eastern District of Texas.
Jason Michael Pryor, 34, of Palestine, pleaded guilty on June 9, 2009, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison.
Pryor also agreed to a $10,000 forfeiture judgment.
Terah Elizabeth Harris, 21, of Chandler, pleaded guilty on June 24, 2009 to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison.
Harris has a previous 2006 drug arrest in Henderson County for possession of a controlled substance (less than 2 ounces).
According to information presented in court, a February, 2009 traffic stop led to the discovery of a drug trafficking ring responsible for transporting methamphetamine from Dallas to Tyler for distribution.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment on March 4, charging seven individuals with federal drug trafficking crimes.
According to information from the U.S. Attorney’s office, the investigation has resulted in the seizure of about six pounds of methamphetamine, firearms, and more than $30,000 in cash and automobiles.
Four co-defendants were sentenced previously. Jose Luis Abarca, was received 195 months in federal prison, while Marcus Ondre Mumphrey, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison. Eric Fernando Reyes was sentenced to 195 months in federal prison, and Kevin Wade Brown was sentenced to 131 months in federal prison.
An additional co-defendant has pleaded guilty, and is awaiting sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Baldwin.
