TYLER, Texas - A 23-year-old Tyler, Texas man has been convicted of drug trafficking charges 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.  The jury deliberated less than two hours before reaching a verdict following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider.

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 faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison.  The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress and is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.  A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

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.