Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs
13 Longview, Texas Residents Arrested in Drug Conspiracy
TYLER, Texas - U.S. Attorney John M. Bales announced today that 13 Longview, Texas residents have been arrested following a lengthy investigation into drug trafficking in the Gregg County area.
An 18-count sealed indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on May 11, 2011, charging 13 Longview, Texas residents with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute hydrocodone and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Some defendants were also charged with multiple counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm or possessing a stolen firearm.
A task force of federal, state and local law enforcement officers began arresting those individuals on May 16, 2011. Defendants in custody will make an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie today.
Those named in the federal indictment are as follows:
Defendant Age Additional Firearms Charges
Spencer Garod Elam 37 *
Derek Lamar Elam 36 *
Darrell McGuail Washington 47 *
Jefferson Jonathan Taylor 28 *
Derek Monte London 30 *
Demarcus Antwuan Talley 29
Kelvin Earl Washington 34 *
Korri Dewayne Boyd 33 *
Latasha Ann Washington 30
Dwight Anthony McKinley 37 *
Roderick G. Jackson 23
Lakendrick Carl Freeman 26
Willie Thedric Andrews 27 *
If convicted, the defendants each face up to 10 years in federal prison for the conspiracy charge and up to Life for the firearms violation. Those charged with additional firearms violations face up to 10 years in federal prison. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of cash, firearms, and ammunition.
This case is being investigated by the DEA, the ATF, the Gregg County C.O.D.E. Unit, the Gregg County Sheriff's Office and the Longview Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard L. Moore.
A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
