United States of America v. Dustin Lacouture and Deborah Lagrone

Beaumont, Texas, criminal defense lawyer Ryan Matuska represented Dustin Lacouture charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance (methamphetamine.

Dustin Lacouture, 43, and Deborah Lagrone, 44, both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

On January 29, 2025, an Orange County Deputy conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Lagrone with Lacouture in the front passenger seat. After smelling marijuana, officers conducted a search of the vehicle and found three firearms, two bags of marijuana, methamphetamine, and a scale containing narcotics residue. While enroute to the jail, a deputy observed Lagrone slip from her handcuffs and move closer to Lacouture. At the jail, a baggie containing 184 grams of methamphetamine was found concealed in Lagrone’s bra.

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 and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Quinn and Chris Jackson.

Lacouture was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison and Lagrone was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison.