The Hood County Sheriff's Office - Street Crimes Unit successfully concluded Operation Fresh Start in January 2025, a months-long effort to remove illegal narcotics and drug dealers from the local community. The operation resulted in 16 felony arrests for Manufacturing or Delivering a Controlled Substance, in Penalty Group 1/1-B, a first-degree felony charge in all but one case. Several defendants were also charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.
Throughout the investigation, law enforcement executed multiple search warrants, seizing large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, THC, illegal prescription narcotics, stolen property, and several illegal firearms.
The operation expanded with the assistance of federal partners, leading to the execution of additional federal search warrants. This resulted in an additional 7 defendants facing federal charges. The combined state and federal efforts led to the seizure of multiple kilograms of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, over 115,000 fake M-30 fentanyl pills, and more than 30 illegally possessed firearms.
Sheriff Roger Deeds emphasized the zero-tolerance stance toward these criminals, stating, "There is no tolerance in Hood County for these types of criminals or the poison they sell in our community. More arrests can be expected from these operations and anyone else caught doing the same can expect to find their picture in the next roundup."
The Sheriff's Office thanked the United States Marshall's Office - North Texas Fugitive Task Force, Hood County Crime Stoppers, and the 355th District Attorney's Office for their vital role in Operation Fresh Start. The community is encouraged to report suspicious activity to Hood County Crime Stoppers or directly to the Sheriff's Office at (817) 579-3316.
