Life Sentence Handed Down for Amarillo Drug Trafficker Involved in Meth Distribution
Mandis Charles Barrow, a 45-year-old resident of Amarillo, was sentenced to life in prison for drug trafficking, specifically involving methamphetamine. The announcement came from U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Leigha Simonton.
Following a five-day trial in September 2023, a federal jury found Barrow guilty on three counts: conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, distribution and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The sentencing took place on Thursday by U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk.
During the trial, evidence revealed that on February 18, 2021, a traffic stop led to the discovery of $15,000 and a baggie of methamphetamine in Barrow’s vehicle. Further search uncovered approximately 8.8 pounds of methamphetamine in a shoebox in the trunk. Barrow was arrested at the scene, and subsequent phone calls made by him while in custody indicated attempts to remove evidence from his residence.
In October 2022, a search of Barrow’s residence in Amarillo uncovered 108 grams of fentanyl, 853 grams of cocaine, and 2,944 grams of methamphetamine in the kitchen area. Barrow later admitted to delivering these narcotics to the residence.
During the sentencing, Judge Kacsmaryk considered Barrow’s extensive criminal history, starting from the age of 18. The defendant’s violent past included an Aggravated Robbery conviction, where he robbed a man at gunpoint, and a prior assault conviction involving pulling a man from a vehicle and beating him, even when unconscious. With two prior drug distribution convictions, one at the federal level, the court emphasized that Barrow had been involved in drug trafficking and violence throughout his entire adult life.
The investigation leading to Barrow’s arrest and conviction was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
