BROWNFIELD, TX – Nine people linked to drug trafficking operations in Brownfield and the surrounding area have been federally charged, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Leigha Simonton.
The release states that the arrests occurred on Thursday during a coordinated operation involving several law enforcement agencies, including the Brownfield Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration Dallas Field Office, and the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office. The defendants made their initial court appearances on Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Amanda ‘Amy’ R. Burch.
“This investigation underscores the effective collaboration between the DEA and local, state, and federal agencies,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chavez.
“Our mission is clear: we will not rest until we’ve brought violent drug traffickers to justice, whether in small rural communities or large cities.”
Brownfield Police Chief Chris Kotzur emphasized the importance of community safety. “We take the health and safety of our residents seriously. We’re committed to investigating and prosecuting those who distribute illegal narcotics in our neighborhoods,” he stated.
The defendants face various charges in six separate indictments, including:
- Kirkland Ryan Longoria: Charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine.
- Sandra Kay Cavazos: Charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine.
- Arthur Lee Willingham: Charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of a firearm.
- Steven Blake Johnston: Charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Steven Rene Rodriguez: Charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.
- Lorraine Riojas Davila: Charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.
- Dewayne Deshae Willis: Charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
- Larry Joe Franco, Jr.: Charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.
- Demetrick Ward: Charged with distribution of cocaine.
If convicted, some may face potential life sentences in federal prison.
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