AUSTIN – A pilot has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute between 50 and 100 kilograms of marijuana, authorities said.
Wayne Brunet, 64, faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
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The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas said state authorities arrested Brunet at the Llano Municipal Airport on March 20 after discovering approximately 206 pounds of hydroponic marijuana on board his aircraft.
Homeland Security Investigations agents were prepared to interdict Brunet as he attempted to land at an unmanned airport in Bulverde, according to court records.
The Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operation Center began tracking Brunet's single-engine plane after observing that it had a suspicious flight pattern from Medford, Oregon, to Texas and had landed only once, in Holbrook, Arizona, to refuel, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.
Brunet landed at the unmanned airport in Bulverde, but departed again after spotting authorities on the ground. The U.S. Attorney's Office said Brunet then proceeded to the Lago Vista airport, but again, aborted his landing as he did in Lago Vista airport, but again, aborted his landing as he did in Bulverde when he encountered law enforcement officers.
Brunet then proceeded to the Llano Municipal Airport, where he landed around midnight, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. Brunet attempted to flee on foot after bringing the aircraft to a stop, but was apprehended on the tarmac by the Texas Department of Public Safety Air Unit.
The U.S. Attorney's Office said authorities recovered 15 duffel bags filled with vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana, along with approximately $5,400 in U.S. currency.
Brunet remains in federal custody awaiting sentencing, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. No date has been set.
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