GALVESTON, Texas – Ronnie LaShawn Allen, a 45-year-old resident of La Marque, is trading the Gulf Coast for a federal prison cell. Allen was sentenced today for his role as a key distributor in a crack cocaine operation that plagued the La Marque and Texas City areas, U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani announced.
Allen pleaded guilty back on February 24, 2022, admitting to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base – more commonly known as “crack.” The investigation revealed Allen wasn’t just a small-time dealer; he was a critical cog in a larger ring, funneling poison into the streets for over two years.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown didn’t show Allen any leniency. The judge handed down a 120-month (10 year) prison sentence, to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. This isn’t a slap on the wrist; it’s a clear message that trafficking in crack cocaine will be met with serious consequences.
Federal investigators determined that between February 2017 and February 2019, Allen was responsible for distributing a substantial 2.224 kilograms of crack cocaine. That’s enough to ruin countless lives and fuel further criminal activity. The scope of his operation paints a picture of a calculated and callous individual motivated by profit.
The bust was the result of a joint operation by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Force, working alongside the dedicated officers of the La Marque Police Department. These agencies worked tirelessly to dismantle the drug ring and bring Allen to justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Cusick skillfully prosecuted the case, ensuring a conviction and a significant sentence.
Allen remains in custody awaiting transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility, the location of which will be determined in the coming weeks. While Allen’s street-level dealing may be over, the ripple effects of his crimes will continue to be felt in the community for years to come. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and the devastating impact it has on families and neighborhoods.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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