United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe
Eastern District of Texas
United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe
Eastern District of Texas
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: DAVILYN WALSTON
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2008 PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
WWW.USDOJ.GOV/USAO/txe PHONE: (409) 839-2538
CELL: (409) 553-9881
DALLAS MAN GUILTY OF FEDERAL GUN AND DRUG CHARGES
(TEXARKANA, TX) United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that a 51-year-old Dallas man has pleaded guilty to federal firearms and drug trafficking charges in the Eastern District of Texas.
RICKY LEE SMITH pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and use and carrying of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime yesterday before United States District Judge David Folsom. Smith has also agreed to the forfeiture of two firearms.
According to information presented in court, on April 8, 2006, Smith was stopped for a routine traffic violation in Titus County. During the traffic stop, officers discovered a concealed firearm and methamphetamine. Smith was indicted on September 11, 2007 and charged with federal firearms and drug violations.
Smith faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1 million for the drug charges and up to life in prison for carrying a weapon during a drug trafficking crime. A sentencing date has not been set.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise Simpson.
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