North Texas men sentenced to federal prison for trafficking fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas

SHERMAN, Texas - Two North Texas men have been sentenced to federal prison for trafficking fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Heath Darrian Denson, 28, of Dallas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III, on July 28, 2026.

Tyson Lamar Johnson, also known as TY, or TeeWhy, 38, of Plano, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III, on July 28, 2026.

According to information presented in court, Denson and Johnson were part of a drug trafficking conspiracy responsible for distributing was thousands of counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area including the Eastern District of Texas. Johnson was also operating a trap, or drug distribution house on McCallum Avenue in Dallas. During a search of the house, a firearm used in support of the illicit drug trafficking conspiracy was found.

"The scourge of fentanyl has caused devastation and destruction across all of our communities. Trap houses filled with drugs and guns aren't just figments of Hollywood's imagination. They are real, tangible, and active in all of our neighborhoods. Texoma HIDTA will remain committed to assisting all of our partners in helping attack this plague on our society. Texoma HIDTA's commitment to supporting public safety will remain unwavering," stated Texoma HIDTA Director Keith Brown.

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 (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

This case was part of the Texoma HIDTA and investigated by the Plano Police Department, FBI, and the Texas Department of Public Safety with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen Smith.

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