Shelby County felon sentenced to federal prison for drug and gun violations

PrisonPhoto byPhoto by Cameron Casey:

BEAUMONT, Texas – Austin Yarbrough, a 31-year-old resident of Timpson, Texas, has been sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for his involvement in drug trafficking and firearms violations. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs of the Eastern District of Texas.

Yarbrough, who pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm, received his sentence from U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on August 7, 2024.

The court proceedings revealed court proceedings revealed that from 2021 through 2023, Yarbrough was a key member of a drug trafficking organization operating throughout East Texas. He played a significant role as a distributor of methamphetamine and as a firearms trafficker. Investigations showed that Yarbrough received methamphetamine from his co-conspirators and distributed it in the Timpson area. Law enforcement operations on multiple occasions resulted in the purchase of methamphetamine and firearms from Yarbrough, including a modified .45 caliber rifle with a shortened barrel and an adjustable stock.

Further investigations uncovered Yarbrough's previous felony convictions, including possession of a controlled substance, burglary of a building, and bail jumping. As a convicted felon, Yarbrough is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.

The case was prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, a collaborative effort aimed at reducing violent crime. This evidence-based initiative involves federal, state, and local agencies working together to identify and address the most pressing violent crime issues in their communities. PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with local prevention and reentry programs to achieve lasting crime reduction.

The investigation was conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Angelina County Sheriff's Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, and FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.