Beaumont Animal Control Officer Arrested for Drug Conspiracy Violations

 

BEAUMONT, Texas – A 39-year-old Beaumont, Texas man has been arrested for federal drug violations in the Eastern District of Texas announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.

                 

Benjamin Wallace Dykes was indicted on March 5, 2019, and charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine.  Dykes was arrested on August 7, 2019, and will be arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Giblin.

 

According to information presented in court, it was revealed during the investigation and subsequent prosecution of the Eric Coleman drug trafficking organization, that Dykes, while employed with the City of Beaumont as an Animal Control Officer, was allegedly purchasing cocaine from Coleman for redistribution to others.  Coleman was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison on Jan. 24, 2019. 

 

If convicted, Dykes faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

 

This case is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Beaumont Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher T. Rapp.

 

It is important to note that a complaint, arrest, or indictment should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.