Three sentenced in Lee County fentanyl cases, prosecutors say

TUPELO, Miss. — Circuit Judge Michael P. Mills Jr. sentenced three men to lengthy prison terms this week after they pleaded guilty to fentanyl-related charges, the First Circuit District Attorney’s Office said in a press release Wednesday.

Theodis Barron, 60, pleaded guilty Aug. 11 to trafficking fentanyl, the release said. Judge Mills sentenced Barron to 40 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, with 25 years suspended, leaving 15 years to serve. The release said Barron must also complete five years of post-release supervision and will serve the full 15 years without the possibility of parole or early release. The North Mississippi Narcotics Unit investigated Barron’s offenses, the office said.

Robert Simmons, 44, pleaded guilty Aug. 12 to trafficking fentanyl, the release said. Judge Mills sentenced Simmons to 40 years, with 28 years suspended, leaving 12 years to serve. Simmons was ordered to complete five years of post-release supervision and, because of the nature of the offense, must serve the 12-year term on a day-for-day basis, the release said. Agents with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the North Mississippi Narcotics Unit investigated his case, the office said.

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, the release said. Judge Mills sentenced Braxton to 50 years, with 30 years suspended, leaving 20 years to serve. Braxton was ordered to complete five years of post-release supervision. The Pontotoc Police Department and the North Mississippi Narcotics Unit investigated his offenses, the release said.

The release said Assistant District Attorneys Megan French and Sidra Winter prosecuted the cases on behalf of the state. The information was issued by District Attorney Jason D. Herring’s office, the release said.

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