A Liberty County resident has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for drug trafficking, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Claude Gilbert, 64, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On February 12, 2026, U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone sentenced him to 108 months in federal prison.
Court records show that authorities executed a search warrant at Gilbert’s home in September 2024 as part of their investigation. During the search, agents found a safe in his bedroom containing 51 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, plastic baggies, three firearms and ammunition.
“This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Jackson prosecuted it.
