By james art Authorities arrested 12 suspects accused of dealing cocaine last week in Lubbock.
During the operation, agents searched six locations and seized approximately 6 kilograms, or about 13 pounds, of cocaine, five firearms and $55,000 in cash, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigh Simonton said in a news release Monday.
If convicted, some of the defendants could face life sentences in federal prison.
Eleven of the defendants made initial appearances Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Amy Burch, the press release said.
Officials said those charged in a 17-count indictment unsealed Monday are:
- Esteban Rene Garcia, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine, attempted distribution of cocaine, and unlawful use of a communication device.
- Rodrick “Dirty” Deone Hall, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine base, attempted distribution of cocaine, and unlawful use of a communication device.
- Leticia Chavez, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine.
- Shannon Sainz, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and unlawful use of a communication device.
- Janie Reyna, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, attempted distribution of cocaine, and unlawful use of a communication facility.
- Anthony “AV” Deleon, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, attempted distribution of cocaine, and unlawful use of a communication device.
- Isaac “Ike” Rodriguez, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, attempted distribution of cocaine, and unlawful use of a communication device.
- Anthony “Ace” McIntyre, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine, attempted distribution of cocaine, and unlawful use of a communication device.
- Roland Vasquez Gomez, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, attempted distribution of cocaine, and unlawful use of a communication facility.
- Rodrick Lamont Bibbs, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine-based.
- Michael Tijerina, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine.
A 12th defendant, Miguel Ramirez-Pedrosa, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, the news release said. His first appearance in federal court will be scheduled at a later date.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Office – Lubbock office conducted the investigation with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Homeland Security Investigations Dallas Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Field Office permanent agency in Lubbock, Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, Lubbock Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and Plainview Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn Long and Ryan Redd are prosecuting the case.
The operation is part of an investigation by the Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force. The effort seeks to dismantle top-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States.