Methamphetamine investigation leads to federal charges in San Angelo, Brownwood, others
Alana Edgin
An operation into methamphetamine distribution across the San Angelo area resulted in 15 people facing federal charges, according to a news release from San Angelo police.
The 2-year investigation revolved around an unnamed "criminal organization ... responsible for multiple pounds of methamphetamine" distributed across 11 counties in and around the Concho Valley, the release stated.
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On Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, law enforcement arrested seven people on suspicion of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine less than 500 grams. The people are:
- Mathew Richard Martinez, 29, of San Angelo
- Miguel Antonio Alfaro, 22, of San Angelo
- Devin Wayne Dale, 33, of Junction
- Jonathan Rex Phillippi, 36, of Eden
- John David Gonzales, 29, of Brady
- Britney Leann Crower, 35, of Brady
- Ashley Latreece Thackerson, 33, of Baird
The arrests also led to the discovery of firearms, currency and a "large amount of methamphetamine, according to the release.
An additional eight people, who were in custody on unrelated charges, have been indicted on the same charges. They are:
- Ariel Nicole Cunningham, 24, serving in the McCulloch County Jail
- Jennifer Marie Huro, 40, serving in the McCulloch County Jail
- Stevie Ray Duarte, 32, serving in the Havins Unit in Brownwood, TX
- Reynaldo Mendoza, 28, serving in the Wallace Unit Colorado City, TX
- Joshua Keith Friar, 35, serving in McCulloch County Jail
- Ty Taylor Thomas, 24, serving in the McCulloch County Jail
- Daniel Orosco, 37, serving in Tom Green County Jail
- Austin Marcine Nichols, 25, serving in Runnels County Jail
The minimum punishment for this charge is 10 years in confinement and a fine not to exceed $10,000, according to the deadiversion.usdoj.gov.
The operation involved San Angelo Police, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the San Antonio Division Drug Enforcement Administration. County sheriff's offices in Concho, Kimble, Menard, McCulloch and Tom Green assisted, along with the Brady Police Department.
Alana Edgin is a journalist covering Crime and Courts in West Texas. Send her a news tip at aedgin@gannett.com.