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Press Release

Van Zandt County Man Guilty Of Dealing Methamphetamine In East Texas

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Texas

Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs

 TYLER, Texas – A 51-year-old Fruitvale, Texas man has pleaded guilty to drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

Billie Earl Johnson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine today before U.S. Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell. 

                According to information presented in court, up until December 2010, Johnson conspired with others to acquire and distribute methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas and elsewhere.  Johnson admitted to being responsible for assisting in the distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.  He also admitted to possessing a firearm during his drug trafficking activities.  A federal grand jury returned an indictment on Nov. 7, 2012, charging Johnson and two others with drug trafficking violations. 

                Johnson faces a minimum of 10 years in federal prison at sentencing.  A sentencing date has not been set.

                This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mineola Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Baldwin.


Updated March 12, 2015