On November 12, 2024, Cameron Scott Spears, a 39-year-old man from Upshur County, Texas, pled guilty to multiple drug charges, including the delivery and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The charges stemmed from an undercover operation that took place earlier this year.
Spears had been the primary drug dealer of methamphetamine in the Union Grove Community for an extended period of time. The investigation, which was conducted at 9077 Bob O' Link Road in Upshur County, uncovered the extensive distribution network that involved other criminals and drug dealers. The property, which contained several acres of land with mobile homes and campers, also hid stolen property from thefts and burglaries.
On February 2, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the location. During the investigation, Spears was caught on video selling methamphetamine to a confidential informant. The case culminated in Spears being sentenced to 20 years in prison for two charges of delivery of a controlled substance and 40 years for possession with intent to deliver over 25 grams of methamphetamine.
Other arrests were made at the property, including:
- 51-year-old Jimmy Wayne Skinner, sentenced to 99 years in prison after a July trial for possession of a firearm by a felon.
- 41-year-old Amana Lynn Gage, sentenced to 18 months in state jail after pleading guilty to possession of a controlled substance.
- 33-year-old Hailey Renee Shaddix, sentenced to 15 months in state jail after pleading guilty to possession of a controlled substance.
- 45-year-old Benjamin Heath Evans, sentenced to 15 months in state jail for possession of a controlled substance.
The investigation was led by the Upshur County Sheriff's Office and its narcotics officers, with the case prosecuted by Billy W. Byrd and presided over by 115th District Judge Dean Fowler.
