Central Texas meth trafficking investigation leads to 15 indictments

Fifteen people have been indicted in connection a two-state investigation of methamphetamine distribution in the Waco area during which more than 26 pounds of crystal meth was seized, federal authorities announced Thursday.

Eleven of the suspects were arrested Thursday and four others were arrested earlier, authorities said.

The indictments allege that the 15 defendants “were responsible for a crystal methamphetamine supply network based in Hesperia, Calif., and a methamphetamine distribution network based in Waco,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a press release Thursday afternoon.

Officials earlier said the operation was based in Riverside, Calif., but later issued a correction.

During the investigation authorities seized not only more than 26 pounds of crystal meth, but also more than 330 pounds of marijuana and about 1,000 tabs of Xanax, authorities said.

If convicted, penalties could range from five to 40 years for some defendants and from 10 years to life in prison for others.

The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation involved the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Waco Police Department, the Waco office of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Riverside, Calif, Sheriff’s Office.

Darris Kinita Thompson (aka “Piru”) 41 Waco, TX 10 years to life imprisonment (in custody)

Sedric Barshea Thompson 49 Waco 10 years to life imprisonment (in custody)

Meagan Anaise Keel 32 Waco 10 years to life imprisonment (in custody)

Christopher Derric Blount 46 Waco 5 – 40 years’ imprisonment (in custody)

Darrell Wayne Moore 50 Waco 5 – 40 years’ imprisonment (in custody)

Ulis Howard Alexander 27 Waco 10 years to life imprisonment (in custody)

Chelsea Laine Early Graves 30 Waco 5 – 40 years’ imprisonment (in custody)

Lamont Alexander Taylor 41 Waco 5 – 40 years’ imprisonment (in custody)

Ruby Clara Williams 55 Waco 5 – 40 years' imprisonment (in custody)

Joe Angel Gayton 27 Waco 10 years to life imprisonment (in custody)

Johnny Perez, Jr. 38 Wichita Falls, TX 10 years to life imprisonment (in custody)

Johnny Casillas 36 Waco 10 years to life imprisonment (arrested 2.28.18, in custody)

Francisco Resendiz-Martinez 25 Hesperia, CA 10 years to life imprisonment (arrested 3.1.18, free on bond)

Patricia Ferrer 53 Hesperia, CA 10 years to life imprisonment (arrested 2.28.18, in custody)

Veronica Barraza Real 40 Hesperia, CA 10 years to life imprisonment (arrested 3.1.18 free on bond)

(Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office)