Thirteen individuals involved in a drug trafficking operation out of the Texas Panhandle have been federally charged following a DEA-led investigation dubbed "Operation Put It In Reverse," announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Chad Meacham.
A 15-count indictment filed against the suspects includes the following charges: conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and distribution of methamphetamine.
The individuals charged are:
- Juan Gabriel Castro, aka “Big Boy”
- Luis Gilberto Garcia
- Terry Deon Noble
- David Dewayne Keelin
- Charlotte Ann Villanueva
- Kody Ryan Patterson
- Melissa Lynn Nelson
- Joshua James Tarver
- Danny James Wise
- Christopher Steven Conley
- Reba Lynn McLaughlin
- Mario Socorro Martinez
- Alfredo Olivares Jimenez, aka “Freddie”
The suspects were arrested last week. During the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 70 kilograms of methamphetamine, four kilograms of cocaine, two kilograms of fentanyl, $70,000 in assets, and eight firearms.
DEA Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chávez emphasized the agency's commitment to investigating and holding accountable those involved in the distribution of illegal drugs. If convicted, the defendants face sentences ranging from twenty years to life in federal prison.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA Amarillo Resident Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Amarillo Police Department, and several other local and federal agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Marie Bell is prosecuting the case.
