HAYS COUNTY, Texas — A repeat offender from Hays County was recently sentenced to 60 years for one charge and 50 years for another.
District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced Friday that 44-year-old Tony Robert Barrera III was found guilty of fentanyl possession with intent to deliver, resulting in a 60-year sentence.
Barrera was also found guilty of felon possession of a firearm, landing him another 50 years of incarceration.
This isn't Barrera's first time behind bars. He was previously arrested five times between 2001 and 2003 for criminal trespassing, false statements to obtain credit, failure to identify fugitive from justice and more. Barrera is known for evading arrest, which is exactly what he did in 2005 when he attempted to run from police when being chased for a warrant.
He was also arrested in 2022 in Hays County and was previously labeled "armed and dangerous" by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
His most recent crimes were investigated by the San Marcos Police Department and the Buda Police Department. The prosecution was completed by two assistant district attorneys.
"We appreciate the hard work and diligence of the jury, as well as the dedicated efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved in this case. Hopefully, the verdict in this case resonates with anyone dealing with narcotics, especially fentanyl, in Hays County and makes them reconsider their actions," Assistant District Attorney Christopher Griffith said.
Higgins also expressed his stance on punishing those in possession of the drug, promising "serious consequences" to any offenders.