Meth dealer sentenced for drug trafficking
Posted/updated on: July 7, 2026 at 9:25 pm
TYLER – A Tyler drug dealer has been sentenced to over 15 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, according to U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Charles Ray Griffith, Jr., 36, also known as Root, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on July 6, 2026. According to information presented in court, Griffith was detained while driving vehicles on two separate occasions in July and September 2024, resulting in the discovery of a total of 140.30 grams of methamphetamine.
During one attempted traffic stop, Griffith fled recklessly at a high rate of speed on a motorcycle through residential neighborhoods, disregarded stop signs and traffic signals and, drove on the wrong side of the road. He then crashed in the yard of a private residence, where he was arrested. This case is part of a nationwide initiative to stop illegal immigration, and eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The crackdown protects our communities from violent criminals.
The case was investigated by multiple agencies, including, Smith County Sheriff’s Office, and Tyler Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.
