A large-scale investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating in East Texas has concluded with multiple individuals sentenced to federal prison for drug and firearms violations, Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. announced.
Beginning in 2021, law enforcement identified Edgar Garcia Jr. as the primary distributor in a narcotics operation spanning multiple counties. Investigators executed search warrants, conducted controlled purchases of methamphetamine and firearms, and intercepted narcotics being transported for distribution. Multiple kilograms of methamphetamine and nearly a dozen firearms were seized during the investigation. Some of the firearms were used to guard the illegal drugs, while others were exchanged in narcotics transactions.
The case was prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime by targeting the most dangerous offenders.
The following individuals have been sentenced to federal prison:
- Edgar Garcia Jr., 26, of Nacogdoches – 151 months (12 years, 7 months)
- Justin Michael Sanchez, 33, of Nacogdoches – 235 months (19 years, 7 months)
- Beverly Kay Hurst, 26, of Center – 151 months (12 years, 7 months)
- Jason Clepper, 36, of Goliad – 150 months (12 years, 6 months)
- Blake Trahan, 29, of Center – 48 months (4 years)
- Austin Yarbrough, 32, of Timpson – 188 months (15 years, 8 months)
- Laddarus Perkins, 40, of Timpson – 135 months (11 years, 3 months)
- Jeanese Fenley, 43, of Timpson – 70 months (5 years, 10 months)
- Koury Nowell, 49, of Gary City – 33 months (2 years, 9 months)
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Texas Department of Public Safety, and sheriff’s offices in Shelby, Nacogdoches, and Panola counties. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Donald S. Carter and Lucas Machicek prosecuted the case.
