Federal and International

Former Denver City, Texas Councilman Sentenced To Five Years In Federal Prison For Role In Midland-Based Heroin And Meth Distribution Ring


TEXAS—(ENEWSPF)—January 16, 2015. In Midland today, U.S. District Judge Robert A. Junell sentenced 50-year-old former Denver City (TX) councilman Joe Anthony Kay to five years in federal prison for his role in a Midland-based heroin and methamphetamine distribution ring, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., Midland Police Chief Price Robinson and Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Junell ordered that Kay be placed under supervised release for a period of five years after completing his prison term.

On August 31, 2014, state and local authorities arrested Kay based on a federal grand jury indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.  Kay pleaded guilty to the charge on September 16, 2014.  By pleading guilty, Kay admitted that from June 2010 to April 2014, he conspired with others to distribute narcotics in the Midland, Odessa, and Denver City areas.  According to court records, Kay conspired to distribute 20 kilograms of cocaine, 2 kilograms of heroin, 1 kilogram of methamphetamine, and 100 pounds of marijuana.

Kay is the last of seven defendants to be convicted and sentenced for their roles in this drug trafficking scheme.  Yesterday, Judge Junell sentenced drug supplier Luis Jose Tarango Terrazas, age 51, of Fabens, TX, to 70 months imprisonment.  Last month, Judge Junell sentenced 42–year-old Michael Alexander Lozano of Denver City, and 46–year-old William Ray Warren of Midland, each to ten years imprisonment; 30-year-old Cameron Edward Gee of Midland, to 71 months imprisonment; 31-year-old Quentin Zachery Bailey of Odessa, to 46 months imprisonment; and, 24-year-old Merin James McCulley of Seagraves, TX, to two years imprisonment.

This investigation was conducted by the Midland Police Department together with the Texas Department of Public Safety.  Assistant United States Attorney Austin Berry prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.

Source: justice.gov


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