Palestine Man Gets 21 Months in Drug Case

TYLER – A 45-year-old Palestine man has been sentenced to federal prison for distributing methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales Thursday. Edwin William Pacheco pleaded guilty Feb. 11 to possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. He was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison Thursday in Tyler by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider.

According to prosecutors, on Aug. 29, 2014, Pacheco delivered approximately 3.5 grams of methamphetamine to another person in Palestine. From Aug. 29 to Oct. 24, 2014, Pacheco distributed at least 10 grams of methamphetamine in Palestine receiving about $2,500. On Sep. 3, 2014, a search warrant was executed at Pacheco’s residence on W. Debard Street in Palestine. During the search, the officers recovered a .380 caliber pistol, loaded with four bullets, from above a ceiling tile in the hallway of the residence. The officers also recovered numerous rounds of assorted ammunition from a shed on the premises. Pacheco is a citizen of El Salvador and will face deportation upon his release from prison.