TYLER (KYTX) - U.S. Attorney John M. Bales announced today that 10 individuals have been arrested following a lengthy investigation into drug trafficking in the Henderson area.
At about 6 this morning a combined task force of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies began executing 10 federal arrest warrants for defendants charged in a conspiracy to distribute over 280 grams of crack cocaine in and around Henderson, Texas since Sep. 2010.
On July 11, a federal grand jury returned a 14-count Indictment charging 14 individuals with multiple counts of federal drug and firearm violations.
The following defendants are in custody and will appear today before U. S. Magistrate John D. Love for an initial appearance:
Deric Lamont Sheppard, aka "Big Shep," 32, of Henderson;
Master Markeith Lacy, aka "Kiki," 36, of Henderson;
Justin Lamark Porter, 23, of Overton;
Ernest Vantrezes Mallard, aka "Duck," 30, of Henderson;
Derek Lamarcus Horton, aka "Null Null," 27, of Kilgore;
Marcus Derail Porter, aka "Blade," 30, of Henderson;
Kail Demond Lacy, Jr, aka "KJ," 19, of Henderson;
Randy Cameron, 52, of Henderson;
Lattoris Dewuan Jackson, aka "Coonjack," 32, of Henderson; and
Cornelius Marquis Murphy, aka "Papa Murphy," 21, of Henderson
Travis Lanard Porter, aka "Nard," aka "Travis Deamon," 35, of Henderson, and Johnny Ray Smith, Jr., 33, of Henderson, will appear next week before U. S. Magistrate John D. Love for their initial appearances.
If convicted of the drug conspiracy charge, the defendants face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison and fines of up to $10 million. If convicted on the weapons violations, the defendants face at least 5 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of any property used to commit or facilitate the crimes or derived from proceeds of the conspiracy.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Texas Department of Public Safety and Henderson County Police Department. The U. S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, Rusk County Sheriff's Office and Texas Department of Corrections assisted in the apprehension and arrests of the suspects. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard 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.
