Buna Man Sentenced to Over 33 Years for Federal Firearms and Drug Trafficking Crimes
- Rita Shipp
- Aug 27
- 2 min read
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Buna man has been sentenced to more than three decades in federal prison following his conviction on firearms and drug trafficking charges in the Eastern District of Texas.
Leotis Cornelius McMahon, 48, was sentenced to 400 months (over 33 years) in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone. The sentencing follows McMahon’s conviction on February 5, 2025, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
According to court testimony, law enforcement had been investigating McMahon for distributing narcotics across Southeast Texas. On January 5, 2024, after a prolonged surveillance operation, officers conducted a traffic stop in Lumberton and discovered nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine in McMahon’s vehicle. A search warrant executed at his residence in Buna revealed multiple firearms—including an AR-style pistol, one of which was stolen—as well as distribution materials such as scales and baggies.
Authorities described McMahon as operating a “mobile illegal drug shop,” dealing significant quantities of drugs for profit. As a convicted felon, McMahon was prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
The case was investigated through Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative led by the Department of Justice that targets drug cartels, violent crime, and transnational criminal organizations. Agencies involved included the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety – Criminal Investigations, Lumberton Police Department, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Beaumont Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Lee and John B. Ross.
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