United States Attorney
Northern District of Texas

1100 Commerce St., 3rd Fl.
Dallas, Texas 75242-1699

Telephone (214) 659-8600
Fax (214) 767-0978

HUSBAND AND WIFE EACH SENTENCED
TO MORE THAN 45 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON, WITHOUT PAROLE,
ON DRUG AND FIREARMS CONVICTIONS

United States Attorney Richard B. Roper announced that Donald Steven Looney, age 53, and his wife, Mary Beth Looney, age 53, of Wichita Falls, Texas, were both sentenced today in federal court in Dallas to more than 45 years imprisonment by United States Senior District Judge Jerry Buchmeyer. The Looneys were sentenced to 548 months imprisonment following their December 1, 2005 convictions for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and two counts of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

U.S. Attorney Roper said, "I applaud the tough sentence Judge Buchmeyer imposed today. This prosecution is an example of the commitment of federal law enforcement to work with our state and local partners in Wichita Falls to deal quickly and harshly with meth dealers.”

The jury found both defendants guilty of all four counts of the federal indictment after hearing evidence that an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs into drug trafficking at the Red River Casino in Cotton County, Oklahoma led directly to Donald Steven and Mary Beth Looney's drug distribution operation in Wichita Falls, Texas. On August 24, 2004, two co-conspirators delivered 23 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover agent, leading to the issuance and execution of a search warrant at the Looney residence. During the search conducted by the North Texas Regional Drug Task Force and Wichita Falls Police Department, law enforcement officers discovered more than 150 grams of "ice," or pure methamphetamine, worth approximately $15,000. At the time, this was the largest seizure of "ice" in Wichita Falls. The officers also seized paraphernalia associated with the distribution of this illicit substance, including a set of scales, numerous small plastic baggies, electronic surveillance equipment, and glass pipes. In addition, the officers discovered four loaded firearms, including a 9mm military-style assault rifle loaded with 50 rounds of ammunition. The loaded firearms had been strategically placed inside the residence to protect the drug distribution business that was occurring there.

U.S. Attorney Roper praised the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Gary Tromblay and Jordan Konig.

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