Meth Kingpin Free Gets 22 Years

BEAUMONT, TX – Larry Wayne Free, 40, of Buna, Texas, is headed to federal prison for a long stretch after being convicted of flooding Eastern Texas with methamphetamine. The sentence, handed down February 2, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone, totals 264 months – a full 22 years – for possession with intent to distribute the deadly drug.

The bust originated in January 2021 when law enforcement received credible information regarding Free’s drug distribution operation centered around a residence in Nome, Texas. It wasn’t long before officers spotted Free cruising down Highway 90. A routine traffic stop quickly escalated when a narcotics K9 unit signaled the presence of drugs within the vehicle.

A thorough search revealed a staggering 1,948 grams – nearly 2 kilograms – of pure methamphetamine stashed inside. That’s enough to poison countless lives, and Free was clearly playing a major role in the supply chain. He was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury on April 6, 2022, and faced the full weight of federal drug laws.

Free pleaded guilty on June 30, 2022, a strategic move that didn’t soften the judge’s stance. U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston made it clear this office will relentlessly pursue those who profit from the misery of others. “This sentence sends a clear message,” Featherston stated, “that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in Eastern Texas.”

The investigation was a collaborative effort, bringing together the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Beaumont Police Department, and the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office. These agencies worked seamlessly to dismantle Free’s operation and bring him to justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Grove prosecuted the case, ensuring a strong case was presented in court.

While 22 years won’t undo the damage Free inflicted, it does remove a significant player from the streets and hopefully serves as a deterrent to others considering a similar path. The Grimy Times will continue to track federal cases like this, exposing the dark underbelly of crime and holding perpetrators accountable.

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