Thirteen individuals from the Texas Panhandle have been federally charged in connection with Operation Put It In Reverse, a DEA-led initiative targeting alleged drug traffickers. Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad Meacham announced the charges.
The 15-count indictment includes several defendants: Juan Gabriel Castro, also known as "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, and Alfredo Olivares Jimenez, also known as "Freddie." Charges against them range from conspiracy to distribute controlled substances to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine.
The arrests were made last week following an investigation that resulted in the seizure of approximately 70 kilograms of methamphetamine, four kilograms of cocaine, two kilograms of fentanyl, $70,000 in assets, and eight firearms.
“These arrests demonstrate the continued resolve of DEA Amarillo Resident Office to investigate this organization to the fullest extent possible,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chávez. He added that all levels involved in drug trafficking should be aware that the DEA is committed to accountability for those selling dangerous drugs.
It is important to note that an indictment represents allegations and not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If convicted, they could face sentences ranging from twenty years to life imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division – Amarillo Resident Office and other local law enforcement departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Marie Bell is handling the prosecution.