A Washington man has been charged with meth distribution after an incident alleged to have occurred last month in Ellis County.

According to U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom, Hector M. Birrueta, 31, Pasco, Wash., has been charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute approximately 57 pounds of methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Oct. 17.

If convicted he a penalty of not less than 10 years and a fine up to $4 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.