Texas City Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Distribution

John Earl Edwards, 46, a resident of Texas City, has been sentenced to federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Edwards pleaded guilty to the charge on September 24, 2024.  

U.S. Attorney Ganjei commented on the sentencing, stating, “Taking fentanyl off the street is good, but taking a fentanyl dealer off the street is even better. This is one less person who makes their living off of the misery of their fellow citizens.”  

U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown ordered Edwards to serve 156 months in federal prison, to be followed immediately by three years of supervised release.

The investigation revealed that on July 22, 2021, Edwards negotiated the sale of a quantity of fentanyl and arranged for its delivery on the same day. Further investigation uncovered that Edwards’ drug distribution activities also involved cocaine, cocaine base, and methamphetamine.  

Edwards was permitted to remain on bond and will voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility at a future date.

The FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Force and the La Marque Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Cusick prosecuted the case.