A significant federal investigation into a drug trafficking organization in East Texas has concluded with several individuals receiving sentences for drug and firearms violations. Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. announced the culmination of this case, which was conducted in the Eastern District of Texas.
The investigation, initiated in 2021, targeted a drug network led by Edgar Garcia, Jr., identified as the main distributor. Authorities executed various operations to track individuals involved in methamphetamine distribution from Garcia. This included executing residential search warrants, purchasing drugs and firearms directly from members of the organization, and intercepting narcotics and firearms during traffic stops. The operations resulted in the seizure of multiple kilograms of methamphetamine.
Additionally, law enforcement recovered nearly a dozen firearms from those involved in the operation. These weapons were either sold during drug transactions or used to protect illegal substances.
This prosecution was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a joint initiative involving federal, state, and local authorities aimed at reducing violent crime. PSN uses evidence-based methods to tackle community crime issues by focusing on violent offenders while supporting prevention and reentry programs for long-term crime reduction.
The following individuals have been sentenced:
- Edgar Garcia Jr., 26, from Nacogdoches: 151 months
- Justin Michael Sanchez, 33, from Nacogdoches: 235 months
- Beverly Hurst, 26, from Center: 151 months
- Jason Clepper, 36, from Goliad: 150 months
- Blake Trahan, 29, from Center: 48 months
- Austin Yarbrough, 32, from Timpson: 188 months
- Laddarus Perkins, 40, from Timpson: 135 months
- Jeanese Fenley, 43;from Timpson:70months
-Koury Nowell ,49 ,of Gary City :33months
The case involved multiple agencies including the FBI; Bureau of Alcohol,Tobacco Firearms,and Explosives;Texas Department Public Safety ; Shelby County Sheriff’s Office ; Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office ;and Panola County Sheriff’s Office . Assistant U.S Attorneys Donald S.Carter Lucas Machicek prosecuted it .