On Sept. 22, it was reported that a Texas pilot who pleaded guilty to drug charges was sentenced to three years in federal prison. The Department of Justice said that the Austin pilot was caught transporting at least 200 pounds of marijuana from Oregon to Texas.
Investigators with Homeland Security were reportedly given a tip regarding the pilot’s suspicious activities in March after he attempted to land at a Bulverde airport that was not manned. Investigators found that the plane left from Medford, Oregon, and only stopped to refuel in Arizona before arriving in Texas. The man then attempted to land a second time at the Bulverde airport before departing again when he reportedly noticed the presence of authorities who were waiting for him. He eventually landed at Llano Municipal airport. He then reportedly attempted to flee but was quickly detained by the authorities.
The man pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute up to 100 kilograms of marijuana. After he serves his prion term, he will be on supervised release for a total of three years. He was also fined $5,000.
Those who are facing serious drug charges could be at risk for being sentenced to prison and being to pay an expensive fine. In some cases, an accused person could even have his or her assets, such as cash, a vehicle or even a plane, seized, especially if it was believed that those assets were used to commit the alleged crime. A criminal law attorney could help protect the person’s rights and the person’s assets by mounting a strong defense against the allegations.
Source: KVUE, “Austin pilot, 65, sentenced to federal prison for flying over 200 pounds of marijuana to Texas”, Sept. 22, 2017
