NEWS RELEASE

NACOGDOCHES FAMILY PLEADS GUILTY
TO DISTRIBUTING DIHYDROCODEINONE

 

(Lufkin, TX) Three members of a Nacogdoches family pleaded guilty today to charges presented in a grand jury indictment on May 3, 2006. LAVERNE STERNS SIRLS, 51-years-old, ODIS DON STERNS, 53-yearsold, and ROSETTA STERNS, 55-years-old, pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute dihydrocodeinone, before United States Magistrate Judge Earl Hines. A fourth family member, GEORGE WASHINGTON STERNS, previously pleaded guilty on June 23, 2006, before Judge Earl Hines to one count of conspiracy to distribute dihydrocodeinone.

According to information presented in court, the three defendants provided drugs when they sold dihydrocodeinone to a confidential informant working with an undercover agent.

At sentencing, each of the defendants face up to five years imprisonment, a term of supervised release for two years, and a fine up to $250,000.00. A sentencing date has not been set.

This case is being investigated by the Deep East Texas Narcotics Trafficking Task Force, the Texas Rangers, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Reynaldo P. Morin.