Port Arthur Man Sentenced to More Than 19 Years in Federal Prison for Meth Trafficking

BEAUMONT, Texas – A Port Arthur man will spend more than 19 years in federal prison after being convicted of trafficking large amounts of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, according to U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Paris Lynn Bennette, 55, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced on January 6, 2026, to 235 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone.

Court records show that in 2024, local law enforcement received information that Bennette was involved in distributing illegal drugs throughout the region. On July 30, 2024, officers observed Bennette speeding and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Bennette fled on foot but was apprehended a short distance away.

A police K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics inside Bennette’s vehicle. During a search, officers discovered a gallon-sized bag containing approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in partnership with the Port Arthur Police Department. Prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Lee.