Joint Investigation Leads To Multiple Arrests In Huntsville And Surrounding Areas
HOUSTON - A coordinated effort among federal, state and local officials has led to the federal indictment of eight individuals for trafficking in methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana, announced Drug Enforcement (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Joseph M. Arabit, Houston Division, U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson, Special Agent in Charge Robert W. Elder of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and (ATF), Walker County Sheriff Clint R. McRae and Huntsville Police Department Chief Kevin Lunsford.
“The arrests made this week in Huntsville and in the surrounding Walker County communities demonstrate the value of information sharing and interagency collaboration,” said Arabit. “Law enforcement at the local and federal levels will continue to join together to disrupt and remove key command and control elements of criminal drug trafficking organizations responsible for the distribution of narcotics into our communities.”
“These arrests in Houston and the surrounding areas exemplifies the success that can be achieved when federal, state and local agencies combine resources to eliminate suspected serious firearms and narcotics offenders from the streets,” said Elder. “These results highlight the use of ATF’s Frontline Model, which seeks to direct limited resources towards positive impacts on crime.”
Eight people, including an officer with the Houston Police Department, were charged in a seven-count indictment returned under seal Dec. 4, 2014. They are all charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana. The indictment was unsealed in its entirety today as some made appearances in federal court in Houston.
Those charged include Derryck Collins, 38, David Choate, 51, Michael Kelly, 22, and Roddrick Collins, 29, all from Huntsville, as well as Jarvis Lovelady, 33, Carlos Montemayor, 39, Javier Aguirre, 38, and Jasmine Bonner, 26, all of Houston. Bonner is a three-year veteran of the Houston Police Department.
All but Lovelady have been taken into custody and have made their initial appearances in recent days before U.S. Magistrate Judge Frances Stacy. Some will be back in federal court for their detention hearings Dec. 16, 2014, at 02:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mary Milloy.
Lovelady is considered a fugitive and a warrant remains outstanding for his arrest. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact authorities as follows:
DEA at 713-693-3000
Huntsville Police Department at 936-291-5480
Walker County Sheriff’s Office at 936-435-2400
“This Investigation has resulted in the arrest of several suspects believed responsible for distributing large amounts of narcotics and illegal firearms throughout this region,” said McRae. “We feel confident that the conclusion of this investigation will not only make a significant impact in this region but in other areas of the State as well.”
“Those who abuse and distribute narcotics pose a significant threat to our community,” said Lunsford. “These arrests should have a significant impact on crime within our community and make it a safer place to live and work. It was only through the cooperation of these agencies that this operation could be successfully conducted.”
According to the allegations in the indictment, the eight defendants are charged with possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of cocaine and 50 kilograms or less of marijuana.
If convicted, they face up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
In addition, Collins is with two separate counts of being a felon in possession of a weapon. If convicted, he faces another 10 years in prison on each count plus an additional possible $250,000 fine.
This investigation was cooperatively investigated by the DEA, ATF, Walker County Sheriff’s office and the Huntsville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Jocher is prosecuting the federal case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
