A Tyler resident was sentenced on July 21 to 180 months in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Delbert Dan Borens, Jr., also known as Preacher, age 49, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle issued the sentence after Borens admitted his role in distributing illegal drugs.
Court information revealed that from April to June of 2025, Borens and his co-conspirators sold a total of 564.3 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Longview. On June 17, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at Borens’ residence where they seized approximately 1,115 grams of methamphetamine, a firearm, digital scales and other drug distribution paraphernalia, as well as $12,927 in cash.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative that utilizes Department of Justice resources aimed at combating illegal immigration and eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
The investigation involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Gregg County Sheriff’s Office; and Longview Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas covers 43 counties across East Texas with offices located in Beaumont, Lufkin, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana and Tyler; employs about 100 staff members including roughly 50 assistant U.S. attorneys; prosecutes federal crimes and provides civil litigation services; supports victims through dedicated services; and operates as part of the United States Department of Justice, according to the official website.