BEAUMONT, Texas – A 29-year-old Houston man, Michael John Pereira, has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a firearms violation during a drug trafficking conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas. U.S. Attorney John M. Bales announced the sentence today.
Pereira pleaded guilty on October 3, 2012, to possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced to 60 months by U.S. District Judge Ron Clark.
The court heard that from 2008 to June 20, 2012, Pereira worked under Donald Dixon, also known as “Black,” and Cedrick Fowler, known as “C” and “C-Murder.” This gang conspired to traffic cocaine and crack cocaine base throughout East Texas. Pereira’s specific task was to provide protection for Dixon during drug transactions.
During a controlled purchase of 2 kilograms of cocaine on April 30, 2012, agents found Pereira in possession of multiple firearms and ammunition, including an assault rifle, .44 caliber gun, pistol, magazines, and assorted ammunition. He was arrested that day.
This case is the outcome of an ongoing joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Nacogdoches Police Department, and Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Baylor Wortham prosecuted the case.
The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) aims to dismantle serious drug trafficking organizations responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. The OCDETF program played a critical role in identifying and disrupting this particular ring.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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