Jefferson County Man Guilty Of Drug Trafficking Violations
BEAUMONT, Texas - A 25-year-old Port Arthur, Texas man has pleaded guilty to drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple and U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.
Michael Joseph Barrett IV pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Feb. 11, 2014 before U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone.
According to information presented in court, on Feb. 19, 2013, law enforcement officers responded to a residence on 32nd Street in Port Arthur after receiving information regarding suspected manufacture of methamphetamine at the location. Consent to search was obtained and a search of the premises revealed a small amount of cocaine, a semi-automatic pistol, and various items associated with methamphetamine manufacture, including a three liter bottle containing a methamphetamine mixture. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on Dec. 4, 2013, charging Barrett with drug trafficking violations.
Barrett faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Port Arthur Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Crime Lab and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall L. Fluke.
