Bowie County Man Sentenced to Prison for Firearms, Drug Violations

TEXARKANA, TX—A 42-year-old Texarkana, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

Cornell Lamar Thomas pleaded guilty on February 8, 2013, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. On July 24, 2013, Thomas was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for the drug violation and 60 months in federal prison for the firearms violation. U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider ordered that the sentences be served concurrently for a total of 60 months in federal prison.

According to information presented in court, on July 23, 2012, Thomas was found to be in possession of approximately three grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine, packaging baggies, a digital scale, and a pistol. The items were located in the console of Thomas vehicle, which was parked at a residence in Bowie County. Thomas admitted that he intended to distribute the drugs to others and that the pistol was available for protection. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on October 3, 2012, charging Thomas with gun and drug crimes.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Texarkana, Texas Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Ann Cozby.