John Anthony Barton, Drug Trafficking and Firearms Charges, New York 2011
Rochester, NY – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that John Anthony Barton, 33, of Dix, N.Y., was sentenced to 180 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa for his involvement in a large-scale methamphetamine operation.
Barton was convicted of conspiracy to manufacture 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams of more of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, using his residence to manufacture, distribute and use methamphetamine and marijuana, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
The investigation, which led to Barton's arrest and conviction, was a collaborative effort between the Schuyler County District Attorney's Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New York State Police, the Schuyler County Sheriff's Office, the Village of Watkins Glen Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.
On May 18, 2011, members of the New York State Police, Schuyler County Sheriff's Office, Schuyler County District Attorney's Office, Village of Watkins Glen Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at Barton's residence on Roloson Hollow Road in Dix. During the search, law enforcement officers discovered an active methamphetamine laboratory, which was in the process of producing methamphetamine, in a shed on the property.
In the shed, law enforcement officers also recovered a total of eight firearms, including a loaded .45 caliber handgun, more than 30 grams of methamphetamine, and over $8,000 in cash. Officers also recovered approximately a pound of marijuana from the house located on the property.
Barton's sentence is the culmination of a lengthy investigation that revealed he and others manufactured methamphetamine and distributed as much as 900 grams between 2009 and May 18, 2011.
“Methamphetamine is a dangerous and addictive drug that even in small doses can cause permanent harm to those who use it,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “Besides causing lasting brain damage, this substance has been known to cause facial disfigurement and other serious physical maladies. Beyond what the drug does to the user, those who make methamphetamine create an environmental hazard for the entire community by the toxic substances used in the production process.
At the time of Barton's arrest, two others – Shawn Rickard and Chad Speicher – were also arrested. Rickard pleaded guilty to narcotics conspiracy involving 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced to eight years in prison. Speicher pleaded guilty to narcotics conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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