TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – A Tyler man pleaded guilty Thursday to a 2023 incident that involved a chase and a major marijuana trafficking raid.

Jerroderick Antoine Bright, 25, was arrested on February 17, 2023, after a chase with Smith County officers on I-20 and found with a large amount of marijuana. On Thursday, Bright appeared in Judge Austin Reeve Jackson’s court to enter a guilty plea.

At the start of the hearing on Thursday, the defense presented a plea deal signed by Bright for the charge of possession of marijuana over 50 pounds

The first, a member of the Smith County Special Investigations Unit, described the chase that led to Bright’s first arrest. According to the investigator, Bright was released on bail and continued to sell marijuana. This led to another chase and arrest on March 14, 2023, the investigator said, which was so severe that it led to the closure of Loop 323 in Tyler before ending at Highway 110 North.

The defense then questioned the investigator, who admitted that he never saw Bright in the driver’s seat and that it was difficult to keep up with him in traffic. The investigator said much of the information given was based on radio traffic.

A family member of Bright’s took the stand as a character witness, saying Bright was hardworking and just got mixed up in the wrong circles. She said Bright needs guidance and probation and still has good character despite the guilty plea.

The court took a break and was scheduled to resume proceedings at 1 p.m. It was noted that the case could be adjourned as there were other cases on the agenda.

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