A Vidor couple has been sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to charges related to methamphetamine trafficking in the Eastern District of Texas, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Dustin Lacouture, 43, received a sentence of 168 months, while Deborah Lagrone, 44, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison. Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine.
Court records indicate that on January 29, 2025, an Orange County Deputy stopped a vehicle driven by Lagrone with Lacouture as a passenger. After detecting the odor of marijuana, officers searched the vehicle and found three firearms, two bags of marijuana, methamphetamine, and a scale with narcotics residue. During transport to jail, deputies saw Lagrone slip her handcuffs and move toward Lacouture. At the jail, authorities discovered a baggie containing 184 grams of methamphetamine hidden in Lagrone’s bra.
The prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America. According to the Department of Justice, this initiative brings together federal resources in an effort to address illegal immigration issues and combat drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Quinn and Chris Jackson prosecuted the case.
