Two members of a large-scale drug trafficking ring responsible for distributing more than 100,000 fentanyl pills in Lubbock have been sentenced to lengthy federal prison terms, federal prosecutors announced.
Adam Whitehead Baber, 45, was sentenced to 228 months in prison after pleading guilty in October 2025 to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Jessica Clauson, 43, received a 240-month sentence after pleading guilty in September 2025 to the same charge.
The sentences were handed down by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix.
Three additional defendants previously sentenced in the case include:
• Sean Burns, 43, who received 204 months in December 2025 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
• Charles Srnek, also known as “Dreds,” 38, who was sentenced to 360 months in December 2025 after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
• Kiyle Jackson, 33, who was sentenced to 60 months in December 2025 after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Court records show the group began operating in early 2024, traveling out of state to purchase large quantities of fentanyl for distribution in Lubbock. Investigators said the defendants referred to shipments of up to 10,000 fentanyl pills as “yachts.” Authorities determined the ring distributed more than 100,000 fentanyl pills and 20 pounds of methamphetamine.
In January 2024, Baber and Burns were arrested in New Mexico with 1,669 fentanyl pills intended for Lubbock. In May 2024, agents executed a search warrant at the home of Clauson and Srnek, recovering 568 grams of fentanyl, 625 grams of methamphetamine and four firearms. In July 2024, Jackson was arrested during a traffic stop with 140 fentanyl pills.
The investigation was conducted by Lubbock Texas Anti-Gang, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Caprock High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Lubbock Police Department and the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Rancourt prosecuted the case.
