Liberty County Man Sentenced to 9 Years for Meth Trafficking

Claude Gilbert pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 64-year-old man from Liberty, Texas has been sentenced to 9 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations. Claude Gilbert pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after authorities executed a search warrant at his home in September 2024 and found 51 grams of actual methamphetamine, a digital scale, plastic baggies, three firearms, and ammunition.

Why it matters

This case is part of a nationwide initiative called Operation Take Back America that aims to combat illegal immigration, eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime. The sentencing of Gilbert sends a strong message about the federal government's crackdown on drug trafficking and the associated violence.

The details

According to court information, agents executed a search warrant at Gilbert's home in September 2024 and found a safe in his bedroom containing 51 grams of actual methamphetamine, a digital scale, plastic baggies, three firearms, and ammunition. Gilbert pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 108 months (9 years) in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on February 12, 2026.

  • Authorities executed a search warrant at Gilbert's home in September 2024.
  • Gilbert was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison on February 12, 2026.

The players

Claude Gilbert

A 64-year-old man from Liberty, Texas who pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Jay R. Combs

U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas who announced Gilbert's sentencing.

Marcia A. Crone

U.S. District Judge who sentenced Gilbert to 9 years in federal prison.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.”

— U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs (gilmermirror.com)

What’s next

The judge's sentencing of Gilbert to 9 years in federal prison concludes this case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the federal government's ongoing efforts to combat the scourge of methamphetamine trafficking and associated violence through initiatives like Operation Take Back America. The lengthy prison sentence for Gilbert sends a strong deterrent message to others involved in the drug trade.