United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BEAUMONT, Texas – Two Southeast Texas men have pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.

Arthur Wilson McDaniels, 46, of Houston. and Marcus Terrance Weathersby, 49, of Port Neches, each pleaded guilty to drug trafficking violations today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn.

According to court documents, beginning in January 2022, local law enforcement and federal agents began an investigation into a drug trafficking conspiracy involving phencyclidine (PCP) and fentanyl in Jefferson County.  The investigation revealed McDaniels was supplying drugs from Houston to Weathersby in Port Neches for further distribution in the area.  Law enforcement ultimately seized approximately 1.7 kilograms of PCP and three ounces of fentanyl during the course of the investigation.  McDaniels and Weathersby were indicted by a federal grand jury on May 11, 2022.

McDaniels pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute PCP and fentanyl.  Weathersby pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.

“If you are dealing dangerous drugs in our community we are coming after you,” said U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston.  “These drugs are capable of killing many people.  There is a dangerous wave of illegal fentanyl poisoning our citizens.  Please talk about this, discuss this, share this message with others to save a life.  In 2022, fentanyl is suspected of killing more Americans than car crashes and gun crimes combined.  This is a problem.”

McDaniels faces up to 40 years in federal prison.  Weathersby faces up to life in federal prison.    The maximum statutory sentences prescribed by Congress are provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.  Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Port Arthur Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Anderson.