Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A Texas man has been sentenced to over ten years in federal prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced the sentencing of 39-year-old Thomas East, who was found guilty of conspiring to distribute approximately 500 grams of methamphetamine.
East had entered a guilty plea on November 21, 2024. U.S. District Judge David Morales sentenced him to 132 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Despite East's claim that he played a minor role in the conspiracy, Judge Morales determined East's involvement was significant, citing his multiple trips to acquire methamphetamine and his intention to sell a portion for personal profit.
The investigation, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, commenced in February 2024. It revealed that East and co-conspirator Diana Contreras traveled to San Antonio to obtain large quantities of methamphetamine. During the operation, a traffic stop uncovered nearly 500 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm. Both East and Contreras admitted to their plan, with East intending to sell smaller portions independently in the Alice area.
East is currently in custody and will remain so until his transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility. His co-conspirator Contreras, 37, also from Alice, has already been sentenced to 156 months in federal prison following her guilty plea.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith.
