Federal cases in East Texas resolved
Sentences to be handed down

Texarkana Bank Robbery

United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced that a 49-year-old Queen City man has pleaded guilty to federal charges in the Eastern District of Texas. Matthew Billing Schlatre pleaded guilty to bank robbery yesterday before United States District Judge David Folsom.

According to information presented in court, on Oct. 6 Schlatre robbed the Century Bank in Texarkana. Schlatre admitted that he presented a note to the teller and placed his hands under his shirt indicating he had a weapon. Schlatre stole $8,475.90 during the robbery. He was indicted by a federal grand jury on Dec. 4, 2007.

Schlatre faces up to 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00 and restitution of $8,475.90. A sentencing date has not been set. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Lufkin firearms violations

United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced that a 27-year-old Lufkin man has pleaded guilty to federal firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas.

Calandris Deandre Lamb was indicted on Nov. 8 and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He pleaded guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie.

According to information presented in court, Lamb was found to be in possession of a firearm on Aug. 22, 2007, in Cherokee County. Because Lamb has a prior felony conviction for burglary of a habitation, he is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. Lamb has also agreed to the forfeiture of seven firearms.

Lamb faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00. A sentencing date has not been set. This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Longview drug charges

United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced that a 30-year-old Longview man has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges in the Eastern District of Texas. Eric Deshun Head was indicted on Nov. 6 and charged with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of crack cocaine. He pleaded guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie.

According to information presented in court, an investigation began in December 2006 into the distribution of crack cocaine in East Texas by Head and two co-defendants, all of Longview.

Head faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $2 million. A sentencing date has not been set. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Longview Police Department and the Gregg County Sheriff's Office.