North Texas man convicted for his role in methamphetamine distribution conspiracy

FORT WORTH, Texas — A federal jury last week convicted a North Texas man on a felony drug charge following a two-day jury trial.

This conviction was announced by U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox of the Northern District of Texas.  This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Jeremy Crabtree, 41, from Fort Worth, was convicted last week on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. The conspiracy count carries a penalty of not less than 10 years or more than life in federal prison, and a $10 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for April 9.

The government presented evidence at trial that in 2014 and 2015, Crabtree operated an illegal gambling establishment near I-35W and Long Avenue. The game room became a hub for Aryan Brotherhood (AB) gang-related activity and methamphetamine trafficking. Although not an official member, Crabtree was a close associate to AB members and allowed them to use his game room to buy and sell methamphetamine and discipline AB members for gang-related violations.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn Smith and Frank Gatto, Northern District of Texas, prosecuted this case.