Jarod Richard Melancon, Meth and Firearm Charges, Texas 2021

Pecos, Texas – A New Mexico man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking operation in West Texas.

Jarod Richard Melancon, 38, was arrested on May 5, 2021, after a federal search warrant was executed on a hotel room in Kermit, Texas, where Melancon was staying. During the search, DEA agents discovered approximately 464.3 grams of crystal methamphetamine in a nightstand and about 593.5 grams of crystal methamphetamine in a minifridge. Agents also seized a 9mm pistol located near the nightstand.

Melancon pleaded guilty to three federal charges, including one count of Importation of Methamphetamine; one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; and one count of Possessing a Firearm During and in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking crime.

According to court documents, Melancon received 240 months in prison for each of the drug counts, which will run concurrently. He also received an additional 60 months in prison for the firearm charge, which will run consecutive to the drug sentences.

“Methamphetamine is a highly addictive, destructive and dangerous drug,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “Our office is proud to work with our partners at DEA in order to hold traffickers accountable and we resolve to rid our communities of this poison.”

“Methamphetamine trafficking and abuse causes terrible harm to our communities,” said Greg Millard, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division. “DEA will continue to hold meth dealers accountable by having them face justice, shutting down their distribution networks, and seizing their profits.”

The DEA El Paso Division’s Alpine Resident Office investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Ellis prosecuted the case.

Melancon’s sentencing is a significant blow to methamphetamine traffickers in the region. The case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of methamphetamine trafficking and the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions.

Jarod Richard Melancon, a 38-year-old man from New Mexico, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for importing and possessing methamphetamine, as well as a firearm charge.

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