Jefferson County Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking Violations

Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs

     BEAUMONT, Texas – A 26-year-old Port Arthur, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

Michael Joseph Barrett IV pleaded guilty on Feb. 11, 2014, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone.

            According to information presented in court, on Feb. 19, 2013, law enforcement officers responded to a residence on 32nd Street in Port Arthur after receiving information regarding suspected manufacture of methamphetamine at the location.  Consent to search was obtained and a search of the premises revealed a small amount of cocaine, a semi-automatic pistol, and various items associated with methamphetamine manufacture, including a three liter bottle containing a methamphetamine mixture.  A federal grand jury returned an indictment on Dec. 4, 2013, charging Barrett with drug trafficking violations.

            This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Port Arthur Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall L. Fluke.