Twelve individuals have been arrested in Lubbock as part of a federal drug operation targeting cocaine distribution, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Leigha Simonton, announced. Eleven of the defendants made their initial court appearances on Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Amy Burch.
The defendants face a range of charges in a 17-count indictment unsealed today, including:
- Esteban Renee Garcia: Charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine, attempted distribution of cocaine, and unlawful use of a communications facility.
- Rodrick Deone Hall (aka “Dirty”): Charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine base, attempted distribution of cocaine, and unlawful use of a communications facility.
- 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 communications facility.
- Janie Reyna: Charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, attempted distribution of cocaine, and unlawful use of a communications facility.
- Anthony “AV” DeLeon: Charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, attempted distribution of cocaine, and unlawful use of a communications facility.
- Isaac “Ike” Rodriguez: Charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, attempted distribution of cocaine, and unlawful use of a communications facility.
- Anthony McIntire (aka “Ace”): Charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine, attempted distribution of cocaine, and unlawful use of a communications facility.
- Roland Vasquez Gomez: Charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, attempted distribution of cocaine, and unlawful use of a communications facility.
- Rodrick Lamont Bibbs: Charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.
- Michael Tijerina: Charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine.
Additionally, Miguel Ramirez-Pedroza was charged via criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine; his initial court appearance will be scheduled at a later date.
During the operation, law enforcement agents executed searches at six locations, resulting in the seizure of approximately six kilograms of cocaine, five firearms, and $55,000 in cash.
An indictment or complaint represents allegations of criminal conduct, not evidence, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, some of the defendants face potential life sentences in federal prison.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division – Lubbock Resident Office, with support from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and local police departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Long and Ryan Redd are handling the prosecution.