Jury Convicts Odessa Man Of Methamphetamine Offenses

This morning in Midland, a federal jury convicted 47-year-old Paul David Copeland, Jr., of Odessa, of various methamphetamine trafficking offenses, announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman.

After a two-day trial, Copeland was found guilty of multiple counts of possessing pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine, conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, and attempting to manufacture methamphetamine.  Testimony and evidence introduced at trial established that on 145 occasions between the Fall of 2006 and August 2011, Copeland purchased over-the-counter cold medicine containing pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient in manufacturing methamphetamine, from Odessa pharmacies such as Walgreen’s, Walmart, Target, Albertson’s, and HEB.  Testimony further established that Copeland recruited at least three other individuals to purchase the same type of cold medicine on his behalf.   The jury also received evidence that in May 2007, the Ector County Sheriff’s Office found an active meth lab in Copeland’s travel trailer and pick-up in Odessa.

As to each count of conviction, Copeland faces up to twenty years in federal prison, a $1 million fine, and a minimum three year term of supervised release following his release from custody.  His sentencing date is March 14, 2013.  Copeland has been in federal custody since his arrest in April 2012.

The case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Ector County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant United States Attorney John Klassen prosecuted the case on behalf of the Government.