Herrera, McCoy Guilty of Meth Crimes

Juan Dedias Herrera, 29, and Lamanda McCoy, 34, both of Tyler, Texas, have pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

The couple pleaded guilty to the distribution of more than 50 grams of pure methamphetamine before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie. According to information presented in court, on Oct. 31, 2011, Herrera agreed to acquire and distribute methamphetamine with another person. McCoy admitted to being in possession of methamphetamine on Apr. 20, 2011.

A federal grand jury returned an indictment on Feb. 1, 2012, charging Herrera and McCoy with federal drug trafficking crimes. The indictment was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office.

Herrera faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison. McCoy faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. Sentencing dates have not been set. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Baldwin.

The guilty pleas are a significant blow to methamphetamine trafficking in the Eastern District of Texas. The Department of Justice has made it a priority to combat drug trafficking and related crimes. The investigation and prosecution of Herrera and McCoy demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to keeping communities safe from the scourge of methamphetamine.

The methamphetamine epidemic has had a devastating impact on communities across the United States. The drug has been linked to violent crime, property crime, and social problems. The guilty pleas of Herrera and McCoy are a step towards reducing the supply of methamphetamine and making communities safer. The case will now move towards sentencing, where the couple will face the consequences of their actions.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas. The case highlights the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking and related crimes.