Austin man gets 29-year federal sentence after meth seizure tied to joint FBI-APD operation
Sentencing follows search warrant execution and large-scale methamphetamine seizure
An Austin man with two prior federal drug convictions has been sentenced to 29 years in federal prison after investigators recovered more than nine kilograms of methamphetamine during a joint operation involving federal agents and Austin police.
Trinity Duke Smith, 50, received a 324-month sentence for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The court also imposed an additional 24 months in prison after finding he violated the conditions of an earlier term of supervised release. The sentence was ordered by U.S. District Judge David Ezra.
Timeline of the case
December 2020: Smith was released from prison and placed on supervised release.
March 26, 2024: A search warrant was executed at Smith’s residence by the FBI and the Austin Police Department while Smith remained on supervised release.
May 2024: Laboratory testing measured and analyzed the seized substances.
June 18, 2024: A federal grand jury indictment was returned charging one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
August 2025: Smith pleaded guilty.
November 2025: Sentencing was announced.
What investigators reported finding inside the home
During the March 2024 search, investigators reported locating suspected methamphetamine in multiple areas of the residence, along with items commonly associated with narcotics packaging and distribution.
Inside a kitchen cabinet, a plastic grocery bag containing suspected methamphetamine, along with a digital scale, sandwich bags, latex gloves, and pieces of white insulation.
In the attic, two large garbage bags containing suspected methamphetamine hidden beneath insulation.
Laboratory testing later determined the kitchen seizure was 188.3 grams of 91% pure methamphetamine. The substance recovered from the attic was measured at 8.899 kilograms and determined to be 100% pure methamphetamine.
Agencies involved and case posture
The investigation was carried out by the FBI, the Austin Police Department, and the Texas Rangers. The case proceeded in federal court on a single count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, with sentencing also addressing the supervised release violation stemming from Smith’s prior federal convictions.
The court ordered a 324-month sentence for the new drug offense and a consecutive 24-month sentence tied to the supervised release violation.
The sentencing marks the conclusion of the federal prosecution phase for the 2024 search and seizure, following Smith’s guilty plea in 2025.