VICTORIA, Texas – A 32-year-old Victoria man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of possession with intent to distribute approximately one kilogram of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Daniel Berry pleaded guilty April 7.
Today, U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton ordered Berry to serve 144 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence of Berry’s extended criminal history and prior use of a firearm during the commission of crimes. Additionally, Berry has a history of discarding evidence during the commission of crimes. Berry also has multiple probation revocations and other pending state drug and firearm offenses.
On Jan. 30, law enforcement observed Berry commit traffic violations while driving on Highway 59. They soon learned his vehicle was registered to a subject with an outstanding federal warrant and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. However, Berry failed to yield.
The vehicle eventually came to a stop, at which time Berry attempted to flee on foot while attempting to discard a backpack. Authorities were able to apprehend him, took him into custody and secured the bag. They noticed it had an odor of marijuana and ultimately found approximately 1001.8 grams of suspected meth, nearly one ounce of marijuana, 17.4 grams of suspected meth pills, a small amount of cocaine and a Ruger handgun with 25 rounds of ammunition.
Laboratory analysis later confirmed the substances were in fact 983 grams of 97% pure meth. Berry admitted to having knowledge of the drugs and gun and took ownership of the backpack.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Parker Gochenour prosecuted the case.