Couple from Many, Louisiana Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine

United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Elena E. Rivers, 30, and Tryton Alonzo Thomas, 33, both of Many, Louisiana, have been sentenced for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine in the Sabine Parish area. United States District Judge Donald E. Walter sentenced the defendants as follows: Thomas was sentenced to 262 months (21 years, 10 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Rivers was sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Sabine Parish Tactical Narcotics Team began an investigation into the drug trafficking activities in the Many, Louisiana area. According to evidence presented to the court, Thomas sold methamphetamine to numerous individuals. Specifically, law enforcement agents obtained video evidence in September 2021, when Thomas sold over 100 grams of methamphetamine on four occasions. On September 29, 2021, agents observed Rivers drive Thomas from her house to conduct a drug transaction. When Thomas and Rivers arrived, law enforcement agents attempted to make a traffic stop but Rivers placed the car in gear and fled the scene. As she fled, she narrowly missed hitting two deputies who were on foot. During the chase that ensued, deputies observed Thomas throw a bag containing a white substance from the car. Deputies were able to locate and recover the bag which contained methamphetamine. Rivers and Thomas were apprehended by law enforcement agents. Following the chase, deputies executed a search warrant on Rivers’ residence and discovered methamphetamine, marijuana, 60 ecstasy pills, and numerous prescription drugs. The case was investigated by the FBI and the Sabine Parish Tactical Narcotics Team and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moody. This effort is part of an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.