SAN MARCOS, Texas – Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today, Jan. 19, that Tony Robert Barrera III, 44, was found guilty by a Hays County jury on Jan. 18 of possession of a controlled substance (fentanyl) with intent to deliver, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The jury sentenced Barrera, a habitual offender, to 60 years imprisonment for the fentanyl charge and 50 years imprisonment for the possession of the firearms charge. The case was investigated by detectives with the San Marcos Police Department, with the assistance of officers with the Buda Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Christopher Griffith and Elizabeth Schmidt. Following the verdict, ADA Griffith said, “We appreciate the hard work and diligence of the jury, as well as the dedicated efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved in this case. Hopefully the verdict in this case resonates with anyone dealing narcotics, especially fentanyl, in Hays County and makes them reconsider their actions.”
Higgins added, “When I came to office, I promised serious consequences in fentanyl cases. It seems that Hays County juries agree that fentanyl will not be tolerated in our county. I commend the work of SMPD and Buda PD in making our community that much safer.
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