Related Federal Cases
- James Calvin Talley Jr, Methamphetamine Trafficking, AL 2024 · Alabama
- Jonathan L. Wells, Methamphetamine Trafficking, IN 2023 · Texas
- Jonathan L. Wells, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Indiana 2023 · Texas
- Michael Deon Fulcher, Sex Trafficking, Mississippi 2024 · New Mexico
- Jarvis Wilson, Meth Trafficking, Mississippi 2024 · Alabama
Defendant Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking in Mississippi
Gulfport, Miss. – A Texas man was sentenced to 60 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U. S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerly with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Esteban Bernadino-Betancourt, 37, of San Antonio, Texas, was also ordered to pay a $4,000 fine.
Bernadino was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after over 50 kilograms of the substance were discovered hidden in buckets in the back of a truck he was driving during a traffic stop on Interstate 10. The stop was conducted by Harrison County Sheriff’s Deputies on November 18, 2019.
According to investigators, Bernadino was driving a truck from Texas to Mississippi when he was pulled over by sheriff’s deputies. The search of the vehicle led to the discovery of the large quantity of methamphetamine, which was hidden in buckets in the back of the truck.
Bernadino was charged in a federal criminal indictment on January 15, 2020, and he subsequently pled guilty before Judge Sul Ozerden on February 19, 2020. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
The sentence handed down by Judge Ozerden includes 60 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. The sentence is a result of Bernadino’s guilty plea and the evidence presented during the investigation.
The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat methamphetamine trafficking in the region. Law enforcement agencies continue to work together to identify and prosecute those involved in the distribution of this deadly substance.
Esteban Bernadino-Betancourt will begin serving his sentence immediately. The U. S. Attorney’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration will continue to work together to combat methamphetamine trafficking and bring those involved to justice.
Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News