HOUSTON - Donal Monta Amerson, 37, of Missouri City, has been ordered to federal prison for nearly 18 years for operating a cocaine and marijuana distribution organization in Bryan, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson.
Amerson was indicted Sept. 27, 2010, and soon fled the Houston area. He was apprehended April 5, 2013, in the Dallas area by agents and officers of an FBI task force in Dallas. He pleaded guilty Nov. 25, 2013, to aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute up to 100 kilograms of marijuana and more than 500 grams of cocaine.
Also charged were Jumond Anthony Burrell, 32, of Hearne, Zarick Banard Shivers, 34, and Johnnie Willie Hickman, 73, both of Bryan, and Bennie Ray Hawkins Jr., 25, of College Station. All pleaded guilty and have been sentenced to varying terms for their roles in the conspiracy.
During his sentencing hearing, Amerson challenged the manner in which the court calculated the amount of drugs distributed through the organization as well as the allegation that he was the organization’s leader.
U.S. District Judge Lynn N. Hughes rejected Amerson’s claims, finding that between December 2008 and April 2010, Amerson, through his organization, distributed hundreds of kilograms of cocaine onto the streets of Bryan.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI worked jointly with the Bryan Police Department in the investigation. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Kenneth P. Dies prosecuted the case. AUSA Richard Hanes handled the sentencing.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
