The Dallas Morning News Releases Three-Part Series on Meth Laws and Punishment

Rhea-AI Summary

The Dallas Morning News has released a three-part investigative series titled 'Meth: The Prison Pipeline', revealing significant disparities in methamphetamine sentencing across federal judicial districts. The investigation, conducted by reporter Kevin Krause and data journalist José Luis Adriano, analyzed over 670,000 crimes from the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

Key findings show that meth sentences in the Northern District of Texas are notably severe, with a median sentence of 10 years compared to the national median of 6 years. First-time, non-violent offenders can face decades in prison without parole, costing taxpayers up to $1.4 billion annually. The investigation highlights that meth trafficking carries harsher punishments than fentanyl, despite causing fewer deaths and hospitalizations.

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“Meth: The Prison Pipeline” is the result of a years-long investigation that explores the shocking disparity of methamphetamine sentencing — and why it’s so prevalent in D-FW

DALLAS, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Dallas Morning News has released its compelling three-part series: “Meth: The Prison Pipeline.”

As the nation grapples with the devastating opioid epidemic, few realize that the harshest punishments for drug trafficking are actually reserved for methamphetamine (meth) — a stimulant causing fewer deaths and hospitalizations than fentanyl, the deadly synthetic opioid at the center of the current crisis.

For the series, The News reporter Kevin Krause has engaged in a years-long investigation of hundreds of North Texas meth cases — including the review of thousands of pages of sentencing transcripts and attendance at numerous hearings in Dallas and Fort Worth. Data journalist José Luis Adriano has also downloaded and analyzed more than 670,000 crimes from the U.S. Sentencing Commission. What Krause and Adriano ultimately uncovered is that sentences for meth are much more severe than for deadlier drugs like fentanyl.

They also found that nowhere are meth sentences longer than right here in the federal court district that serves the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The median meth sentence in the Northern District of Texas, which includes Dallas, from October 2013 to September 2023 was slightly more than 10 years. The national median sentence during that time was six years. Meth sentences here are often stiffer than those imposed on violent criminals. First-time, non-violent offenders can be sentenced to decades in prison for selling meth — with no chance for parole — and it’s costing taxpayers as much as $1.4 billion annually.

“Meth: The Prison Pipeline” exposes these growing sentencing disparities among federal judicial districts and the impact of unreformed meth laws — originally established as a consequence of 1980s and ‘90s tough-on-crime policies.

This series builds on The News' rich legacy of delivering impactful and relevant journalism. It will be available online from December 3-5 and in print from December 8-10. Readers can access the full series anytime at dallasnews.com/methpipeline.

About DallasNews Corporation

DallasNews Corporation is the Dallas-based holding company of The Dallas Morning News and Medium Giant. The Dallas Morning News is Texas’ leading daily newspaper with an excellent journalistic reputation, intense regional focus and close community ties. With offices in Dallas and Tulsa, Medium Giant is an integrated creative marketing agency with a leading roster of world-class brands and companies. Medium Giant is a wholly owned business of DallasNews Corporation. For additional information, visit mediumgiant.co.

For additional information, visit dallasnewscorporation.com or email invest@dallasnews.com.

Press Contact:
Katrice Hardy, Executive Editor, The Dallas Morning News
katrice.hardy@dallasnews.com

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FAQ

What is the median meth sentence in the Northern District of Texas according to The Dallas Morning News investigation?

According to the investigation, the median meth sentence in the Northern District of Texas from October 2013 to September 2023 was slightly more than 10 years, compared to the national median of six years.

How much does meth sentencing cost taxpayers annually according to The Dallas Morning News report?

According to the report, meth sentencing is costing taxpayers up to $1.4 billion annually.

How many crimes did The Dallas Morning News analyze for their meth sentencing investigation?

The investigation analyzed more than 670,000 crimes from the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

When will The Dallas Morning News meth investigation series be available in print?

The series will be available in print from December 8-10, 2023.