Three individuals from Southeast Texas and Louisiana have pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking offenses following separate investigations conducted by a Homeland Security Task Force in the Eastern District of Texas, according to U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
New Orleans man pleads guilty – intended to distribute fentanyl
Darrell Charles Coleman, 37, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on May 28 to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn.
According to information presented in court, Coleman was stopped for speeding on Interstate 10 in Beaumont on June 27, 2024. Coleman and passenger Kory Jarvis Schaffer were returning to Louisiana from Houston when law enforcement conducted a search of the vehicle.
Authorities discovered more than four kilograms of methamphetamine and nearly 500 grams of fentanyl. Prosecutors said Coleman and Schaffer possessed the narcotics for redistribution.
Schaffer, also of New Orleans, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl on May 18.
Both face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in federal prison. Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
Beaumont felon pleads guilty to drug and firearms charges
Micheal Corbin, 48, of Beaumont, pleaded guilty on May 28 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn.
Court records show law enforcement began investigating Corbin in April 2025. During the investigation, authorities determined Corbin was supplying methamphetamine to other drug traffickers for distribution throughout the area.
Investigators seized more than eight kilograms of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine from Corbin and found him in possession of a firearm. As a convicted felon, Corbin is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms.
Corbin faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in federal prison. A sentencing date will be set after the completion of a presentence investigation.
Port Arthur woman pleads guilty in trafficking conspiracy
Latisha Mae Thebeau, 42, of Port Arthur, pleaded guilty on May 28 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn.
According to court records, law enforcement began investigating James William Quinney Jr. in October 2024 for drug trafficking activities in Beaumont and surrounding areas. Investigators identified Quinney as the leader of a drug trafficking organization that distributed kilogram quantities of methamphetamine to other distributors, including Thebeau.
Prosecutors said Thebeau conspired with Quinney and others to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine throughout Jefferson County.
Thebeau faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in federal prison. Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.