TUPELO – Three defendants received prison sentences this week in Lee County Circuit Court after pleading guilty to fentanyl-related offenses, according to the First Circuit District Attorney’s Office.
Circuit Judge Michael P. Mills Jr. sentenced Theodis Barron, 60, after Barron pleaded guilty Aug. 11 to trafficking fentanyl.
Barron received a 40-year sentence in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, with 25 years suspended, leaving 15 years to serve. He was also ordered to complete five years of post-release supervision.
Because the conviction involved narcotics trafficking, the district attorney’s office said Barron must serve the full 15 years without parole or early release. His case was investigated by the North Mississippi Narcotics Unit.
Robert Simmons, 44, pleaded guilty Aug. 12 to trafficking fentanyl.
Mills sentenced Simmons to 40 years, with 28 years suspended, leaving 12 years to serve. Simmons was also ordered to complete five years of post-release supervision.
The district attorney’s office said Simmons must serve the 12-year sentence day for day. His case was investigated by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the North Mississippi Narcotics Unit.
Samardre Braxton, 25, pleaded guilty Aug. 10 to one count of sale of fentanyl and one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to sell, transfer or distribute.
Braxton was sentenced to 50 years, with 30 years suspended, leaving 20 years to serve. He will also be required to complete five years of post-release supervision after his release.
Braxton’s case was investigated by the Pontotoc Police Department and the North Mississippi Narcotics Unit.
Assistant District Attorneys Megan French and Sidra Winter prosecuted the cases on behalf of the state.
