Smith County Man Sentenced for Drug and Gun Violations

TYLER – A Tyler man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for federal drug and firearms violations in Eastern Texas. Gary Anderson, 30, pleaded guilty last October to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. He was sentenced in Tyler yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider. Anderson was also ordered to forfeit $50,000 in cash.

According to information presented in court, on March 9, 2011, Anderson possessed more than 15 kilograms of cocaine, which he distributed in the Smith County area. He also admitted to possessing two pistols while in possession of the drugs. Anderson admitted to purchasing from 2 to 4 kilograms of cocaine per week from a source in Houston, paying approximately $24,000 per kilo and was in possession of over $50,000 in cash at the time of his arrest. Law enforcement officers seized ½ kilogram of crack cocaine, marijuana, cocaine powder, cash, body armor and firearms at Anderson’s residence. Anderson had the highest criminal history points possible under the federal sentencing guidelines. Anderson was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 13, 2011, along with four co-defendants.