Houston man handed lengthy prison sentence for trafficking fentanyl, weapons

A man from Houston has been sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison for illegally selling drugs and firearms.

On Dec. 19, Derrick Wayne Roberson, 32, was sentenced to 19 years and seven months behind bars after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

During an investigation in 2023, Roberson was found to be connected to a drug trafficking organization in Houston and its surrounding areas. Roberson was involved in distributing fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine, as well as firearms. He was responsible for transporting the illegal goods from Houston to other parts of east Texas for distribution.

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Over the course of the investigation, authorities obtained evidence of Roberson selling large quantities of drugs and guns, including a pistol equipped with a “Glock switch,” which allows a handgun to be fired like a fully automatic weapon.

Roberson had previous felony convictions for crimes including robbery, theft and evading law enforcement in a vehicle.