A resident of Bryan County, Oklahoma, has pleaded guilty to a federal drug charge. Michael Paul Puentes, 50, from Durant, admitted to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, Puentes entered his plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason A. Robertson. The charge carries a potential sentence of up to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
The indictment stated that on July 4, 2023, Puentes knowingly possessed at least 50 grams of methamphetamine with plans to distribute it. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Durant Police Department.
Judge Robertson accepted the plea and ordered a presentence investigation report. Sentencing will be determined by a U.S. District Court Judge after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors.
Puentes will remain in custody with the United States Marshals Service until sentencing is complete.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard J. Lorenz represented the government in this case.
