Derrick Hargrove, 34, Found Guilty of Importing Methamphetamine in Texas

A federal jury in Brownsville, Texas has convicted Derrick Hargrove, 34, of Houston, on all four counts related to the trafficking of 4.99 kilograms of methamphetamine.

According to the U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson, the verdict was returned after three days of trial. Hargrove was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute, conspiracy to import and importation of methamphetamine.

The evidence presented in court showed that Hargrove crossed the U.S.-Mexico border on October 9, 2014, at the Gateway Port of Entry, carrying a suitcase that contained the large quantity of methamphetamine.

Initially, Hargrove claimed ownership of the suitcase, but later told authorities that a stranger in Mexico had given it to him, asking him to deliver it to someone who was helping him obtain a liquor license for a nightclub in Matamoros.

Hargrove, who was living in Matamoros after losing his job in Houston, faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $10 million fine. He will remain in custody pending sentencing on June 22, 2015.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen Betancourt and Justin Dinsdale.

Hargrove’s actions demonstrate the dangers of methamphetamine trafficking and the importance of our border security efforts.

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