Tyler Man Sentenced for Drug Violations

TYLER – A 23-year-old Tyler man has been sentenced to 20 years, 8 months in federal prison for drug trafficking violations. Jose Maldonado Barragan was found guilty by a jury on Feb. 10 of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, aiding and abetting, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm while illegally in the United States, and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.

According to information presented in court, the defendant supplied methamphetamine for several months in the spring of 2014. An eight-ounce seizure occurred in Palestine on Mar. 31, 2014, which was later tied to Barragan. Additionally, a four-pound seizure occurred on May 12, 2014, in Tyler. The defendant’s fingerprints were later found on the packaging. Barragan was indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 28, 2015. Barragan was also ordered to forfeit $50,000 cash and a vehicle.