Donal Monta Amerson, Cocaine and Marijuana Distribution, Texas 2010

Defendant Receives 212 Months in Prison for Cocaine and Marijuana Trafficking

HOUSTON – Donal Monta Amerson, 37, of Missouri City, has been ordered to federal prison for nearly 18 years for operating a cocaine and marijuana distribution organization in Bryan, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

Amerson was indicted on September 27, 2010, and soon fled the Houston area. He was apprehended on April 5, 2013, in the Dallas area by agents and officers of an FBI task force in Dallas. He pleaded guilty on November 25, 2013, to aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute up to 100 kilograms of marijuana and more than 500 grams of cocaine.

Also charged were Jumond Anthony Burrell, 32, of Hearne, Zarick Banard Shivers, 34, and Johnnie Willie Hickman, 73, both of Bryan, and Bennie Ray Hawkins Jr., 25, of College Station. All pleaded guilty and have been sentenced to varying terms for their roles in the conspiracy.

During his sentencing hearing, Amerson challenged the manner in which the court calculated the amount of drugs distributed through the organization as well as the allegation that he was the organization’s leader.

U.S. District Judge Lynn N. Hughes rejected Amerson’s claims, finding that between December 2008 and April 2010, Amerson, through his organization, distributed hundreds of kilograms of cocaine onto the streets of Bryan.

He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The FBI worked jointly with the Bryan Police Department in the investigation. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Kenneth P. Dies prosecuted the case. AUSA Richard Hanes handled the sentencing.

The case serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of cocaine and marijuana trafficking on communities. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this and other cases, shedding light on the inner workings of organized crime.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Drug Trafficking

Sabino Osvaldo Gomez-Perez, Fentanyl Trafficking, Utah 2025

Aug 12, 2025

Drug Trafficking

Jesus Henoc Castaneda Soberanis, Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine, New Jersey 2020

Apr 6, 2026

Drug Trafficking

Michael Garrett, PCP Mailing Scheme, California 2024

Dec 2, 2016

Drug Trafficking

Shawn Miller, Heroin and Crack Distribution, Connecticut 2016

Nov 1, 2016