United States Attorney Richard B. Roper
Northern District of Texas

WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, MAN SENTENCED
TO NEARLY 27 YEARS IN PRISON, WITHOUT PAROLE,
FOR DRUG AND FIREARM CONVICTIONS

DALLAS — Andrew Eugene Byrd, of Wichita Falls, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. Senior District Judge Jerry Buchmeyer to 322 months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper. Byrd, 28, pled guilty in March to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (commonly known as "crack" cocaine), possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents, on November 28, 2006, officers with the Wichita Falls Police Department executed a search warrant at Byrd's residence and discovered large quantities of crack cocaine, methamphetamine, drug distribution paraphernalia and four handguns. Also, in the same room where the drugs were located, officers discovered approximately $45,000 in cash, which was determined to be the proceeds of illegal drug sales. Officers noted that Byrd had a prior felony conviction which made it unlawful for him to possess firearms.

U.S. Attorney Roper praised the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Wichita Falls Police Department. The case was presented to the U.S. Attorney's Office for federal prosecution as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is geared toward the aggressive prosecution of firearm-related offenses. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Tromblay.

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