Patrick Dewayne Foreman, 61, of Tyler was sentenced on July 21 to more than 15 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs on July 22.
Foreman pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and received a sentence of 188 months from U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle. According to information presented in court, Foreman was stopped twice in Smith County for traffic violations and was found with drugs during both stops. Officers recovered more than 323 grams of methamphetamine, 3.32 grams of cocaine, marijuana, $9,524 in cash, and drug trafficking paraphernalia including digital scales and unused syringes.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, described as 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 Homeland Security Investigations, Smith County Sheriff’s Office, and Tyler Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas covers 43 counties in East Texas; has offices in Beaumont, Lufkin, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana and Tyler; employs about 100 staff members including approximately 50 assistant U.S. attorneys; prosecutes federal crimes; delivers civil litigation services; supports victims through dedicated services; and works as part of the United States Department of Justice, according to its official website.