A resident of Bryan County, Oklahoma, has pleaded guilty to a federal drug charge. Michael Paul Puentes, 50, from Durant, admitted in court to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The offense is punishable by up to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
According to the indictment, on July 4, 2023, Puentes knowingly possessed at least 50 grams of methamphetamine with plans to distribute it. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Durant Police Department.
The plea was accepted by U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason A. Robertson in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. Judge Robertson ordered a presentence investigation report.
Sentencing will be determined by a U.S. District Court Judge after considering federal sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
Puentes remains in custody with the United States Marshals Service until sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard J. Lorenz represented the government in this case.
