LAREDO, Texas - A 32-year-old Laredo man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of conspiracy with intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 15.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Abe Martinez. Tim McCoy Barton pleaded guilty July 29, 2016.
Today, Visiting U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison sentenced Barton to 108 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
On May 3, 2016, Barton took part in a conspiracy to smuggle 15.7 kilograms of methamphetamine through the Interstate Highway 35 checkpoint located at mile-marker 29. Barton was driving a green 2009 Dodge Journey with Texas plates in which 16 PVC pipes containing 15.7 kilograms of methamphetamine were found in a compartment inside the gas tank.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney José Angel Flores Jr. prosecuted the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
