Core Insights - The series "Meth: The Prison Pipeline" highlights the severe sentencing disparities for methamphetamine compared to other drugs, particularly fentanyl, despite meth causing fewer deaths and hospitalizations [1][2] - The investigation reveals that the median meth sentence in the Northern District of Texas is over 10 years, significantly higher than the national median of 6 years, indicating a trend of harsher penalties for meth offenses [3] Summary by Sections Investigation Findings - The Dallas Morning News conducted a comprehensive investigation involving hundreds of North Texas meth cases, analyzing thousands of sentencing transcripts and crime data [2] - The analysis showed that sentences for meth are disproportionately severe compared to those for more lethal drugs like fentanyl [2] Sentencing Disparities - The Northern District of Texas has the longest meth sentences in the country, with first-time, non-violent offenders facing decades in prison without parole [3] - The annual cost to taxpayers for these meth sentences is estimated at $1.4 billion [3] Historical Context - The series discusses the origins of current meth laws, tracing back to tough-on-crime policies from the 1980s and 1990s, which have led to the current sentencing landscape [4]
The Dallas Morning News Releases Three-Part Series on Meth Laws and Punishment