MARSHALL, Texas — A Marshall man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a drug trafficking charge, federal officials announced.
Jay R. Combs said Avis Delynn Jones, 41, was sentenced to 240 months in prison by Rodney Gilstrap on May 1, 2026, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court records, investigators executed a search warrant March 17, 2023, at Jones’ residence on University Avenue in Marshall. During the search, authorities discovered approximately 440.7 grams of methamphetamine concealed inside children’s backpacks in the kitchen.
Investigators also recovered cocaine, marijuana, a stolen firearm, U.S. currency and drug distribution materials, including digital scales and plastic bags.
Officials said Jones has prior felony convictions in Texas, including injury to a child, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance in Harrison and Gregg counties.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Marshall Police Department.
Prosecutors said the case is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative targeting drug trafficking and violent crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek prosecuted the case.
