Avis Delynn Jones, a 41-year-old resident of Marshall, was sentenced on May 1 to 20 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jones pleaded guilty and received a sentence of 240 months from U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap. The sentencing follows the execution of a search warrant at Jones’ University Avenue home on March 17, 2023, where authorities found over 440 grams of methamphetamine hidden in children's backpacks in the kitchen. Investigators also discovered cocaine, marijuana, a stolen firearm, cash, and drug distribution paraphernalia including digital scales and plastic bags.
Court records show that Jones has previous felony convictions in Texas for injury to a child, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance from both Harrison and Gregg counties.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America. According to the press release: "Operation Take Back America is 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 (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime." The investigation involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Marshall Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas covers prosecution efforts across 43 counties in East Texas according to its official website. The office supports victims through dedicated services as described by officials, employs about 100 staff members including roughly fifty assistant U.S. attorneys according to its website, and maintains offices in Beaumont, Lufkin, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana and Tyler according to published information. It operates as part of the United States Department of Justice as noted online.
Looking ahead, officials say they will continue their work prosecuting federal crimes while supporting victims throughout East Texas communities.
