News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2007
Contact: Ray D'Alessio
713-693-3272

Beaumont Man Gets 12.5 Years In Prison For Drugs, Money Laundering

FEB 15 -- (Beaumont, Texas) A 34-year-old Beaumont man was sentenced for drug trafficking and money laundering in the Eastern District of Texas. KENNETH EARL McBRYDE was sentenced to 150 months in federal prison by Chief United States District Judge Thad Heartfield.

According to information presented in court, a multi-state investigation into the distribution of cocaine and “ice”-style methamphetamine resulted in a 12-count indictment in June 2006, charging McBryde and five co-defendants with federal drug trafficking charges. Coordinated investigation by special agents of the Beaumont Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and officers and agents of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, Jefferson County Narcotics Task Force, Port Arthur Police Department, Beaumont Police Department, the California Department of Corrections, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Internal Revenue Service, resulted in tracing McBryde's narcotics trafficking activities from Southeast Texas to the sources in California.

United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig praised the efforts of the law enforcement agencies, and stated: “This investigation, dubbed "Operation White Ice," is the demonstration of a successful coalition of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies working together to rid our communities of those who sell poison to our children,” said U.S. Attorney Orwig.

On September 28, 2006, McBryde pleaded guilty to charges of distribution of cocaine and money laundering, involving the proceeds of his distribution of controlled substances, including "ice"-style methamphetamine. Additionally, McBryde agreed to the criminal forfeiture of $123,150 relating to his money laundering activities using businesses accounts for "Jumpin' Gina's Moonwalks and More" and "Going Down Skydiving."

This case was investigated by the Beaumont Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, the Jefferson County Narcotics Task Force, the Port Arthur Police Department, the Beaumont Police Department, the California Department of Corrections, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Internal Revenue Service, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Randall L. Fluke, Jennifer Lowery, and Robert Hobbs.

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