by | Published
SAN ANGELO, Texas — Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies have arrested 48 people following an 18-month investigation targeting an alleged drug trafficking network operating in San Angelo and surrounding communities.
The arrests were announced by U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould during a news conference in San Angelo. The operation, known as "Operation Concho Valley Shakedown," focused on disrupting the distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and fentanyl throughout the Concho Valley region.
According to authorities, 24 individuals were federally indicted on May 13 and arrested during a large-scale enforcement action conducted in San Angelo last week. Another 24 people were charged through local district attorneys' offices on felony and misdemeanor offenses related to the investigation.
Federal prosecutors allege the organization was responsible for trafficking significant quantities of illegal narcotics into West Texas communities.
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized more than 35 kilograms of methamphetamine, 303 grams of cocaine and 10 firearms.
Among those federally charged are Oscar Leonel Casillas Jr., Cedrick Jerrod Jones, George Henry Walker, Marcus Maurice Parker, Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr., Shunte Gregory Ray, Tasha Diane Rose, Juan Carlos Sanchez, Audry Michelle Allen, Carlos Gregory Lopez Jr., Amanda Marlene Burney, Michael Todd Holleman, Daniel Arizola, Alissa Johnn Catrett, Jeannetta Antonetta James, Brian Matthew Epperson, Brandon Chappell, Bannon Dalhart Roe, Marcella Sanchez Herrera, Roy Gene Nichols Jr., Ray Enriquez, Rebecca Salcedo Leon, Eric Hernandez and Armando Meza.
The federal indictments include allegations of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, firearm offenses and related drug trafficking crimes.
Authorities emphasized that the charges are allegations and that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The investigation involved personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Texas Department of Public Safety, Tom Green County Sheriff's Office, San Angelo Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, and the Abilene Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by the Abilene Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas.
If convicted, some of the defendants could face sentences of up to life in federal prison.
