Smith County Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking Violations

TYLER, Texas - A 34-year-old Tyler, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.

Nyrearae Lewis pleaded guilty on Jan. 5, 2017, to possession with intent to distribute crack and powder cocaine and was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Ron Clark.

According to information presented in court, on May 5, 2016, Lewis transported approximately 130 grams of cocaine to a residence in Tyler, Texas, with the intent to sell the cocaine. Once Lewis arrived at the house, he was assisted by the homeowner in converting some of the cocaine to approximately 44 grams of crack. The homeowner declined to purchase any of the cocaine so Lewis left with the cocaine he brought to the residence, including the 44 grams of newly converted crack cocaine. Shortly thereafter the vehicle Lewis was in was stopped for a traffic violation and the cocaine was located under the passenger seat where Lewis was seated. Lewis was indicted on Aug. 17, 2016 and charged with drug trafficking violations.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Tyler Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety – Law Enforcement Division, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.