Jefferson County man sentenced to federal prison for trafficking meth and cocaine

BEAUMONT, Texas –A Groves man has been sentenced to over 17 years in federal prison for trafficking drugs in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

 

Darrus Dugas, 42, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine and was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on December 19, 2025.

 

According to information presented in court, in May 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Dugas’ Groves residence because of reported drug activity.  The search resulted in the discovery of various illegal narcotics, including methamphetamine and cocaine, drug trafficking paraphernalia, and over $13k in cash.  The investigation resulted in the arrest of Dugas and Alvaro Montrell Bethea.

 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

 

This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Port Arthur Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Lee.