TYLER, TX—United States Attorney Rebecca A. Gregory announced today that a 48-year-old Longview man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug violations in the Eastern District of Texas.

JOE FRANK GONERWAY pleaded guilty on August 4, 2008 to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and was sentenced today to 86 months in federal prison by United States District Judge Leonard E. Davis. Gonerway also agreed to the forfeiture of $5,000 in cash proceeds.

According to information presented in court, since approximately January 2006, Gonerway was part of a drug distribution ring dealing crack cocaine to others in and around the Longview, Texas area. An 87-count federal superseding indictment was returned on May 13, 2008, charging 29 individuals, including Gonerway, with federal crimes.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the East Texas HIDTA Violent Crimes Task Force, the Gregg County C.O.D.E. Unit, the Gregg County Sheriff's Office, the Longview Police Department, the Gregg County District Attorney's Office, and the Kilgore Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard L. Moore.

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