Thirty Two Arrested in Monahans, Texas Area on Drug Charges

February 1, 2010 - John E. Murphy, United States Attorney, and Special Agent in Charge Joseph M. Arabit of the Drug Enforcement Administration–El Paso Field Division, announced today that federal, state and local authorities have arrested 28 individuals based on federal drug distribution charges and 4 individuals on state drug distribution charges in Monahans, Texas.

The drug charges–contained in 16 separate indictments returned on Wednesday and unsealed this morning–include conspiracy to distribute controlled substances as well as distribution of controlled substances, namely “crack” cocaine, powder cocaine and heroin. Some of the distributions are alleged to have occurred within 1,000 feet of protected locations including playgrounds, schools and public housing facilities.

Those arrested include:

Tammara Bailey, age 30, of Monahans; Joe Antonio Torres, age 27, of Monahans;

Richard Robert Ford, age 59, of Monahans; Joshua Salgado Navarrete, age 26, of Odessa; Tyeatha Lashawn Baker, age 37, of Monahans; Jay Salgado Navarrete , age 24, of Odessa; Edward Gaylord Southall, age 37, of Monahans; Joe Alfred Garcia, age 27, of Monahans; Terrance Martel Washington, age 24, of Monahans; Zachary Sotelo Esparza, age 26, of Monahans; Sylvin Anderson, age 25, of Monahans; Oscar Garcia, III, age 26, of Monahans; Lavada Williams, age 28, of Monahans; Joshua Lee Mitchell, age 27, of Monahans; Evat Thomas Chatman, age 27, of Monahans; Jacques LaShawn Miles, age 45, of Monahans; Isaac Ryan Wilson, age 23, of Monahans; Jason Michael Nickels, age 30, of Monahans; Omar Ramirez, age 27, of Monahans; Sierra Otilia Ancira, age 24, of Monahans; Erica Deann Ontiveroz, age 30, of Monahans; Ariel Rameriz, age 36 of Monahans; Ismael Diaz, age 40, of Monahans; Eric Rivas, age 25, of Monahans; Brittany Marie Gonzales, age 25, of Monahans; Omar Lujan, age 39, of Monahans; and, Nanette Michele Villesca, age 39, of Monahans; Josh Lee Brandenburg, age 20, of Monahans;

Federal arrest warrants have been issued for the following defendants in this investigation:

Todrick Deshone Simmons, age 23, of Odessa;

Michael Joseph Oyerbides, age 27, of Monahans;

Hector Anthony Orosco, age 40, of Monahans;

Thomas Lujan, age 58, of Monahans;

Mary Rivera Rodriguez, age 61, of Monahans; and,

Bryan Sewell, age 37, of Monahans.

In conjunction with this enforcement operation the following individuals were arrested on various State/local charges:

David Adam Graves, age 27, of Monahans;

Richard Baca Ortiz, age 38, of Monahans;

Amita Johnson, age 58, of Monahans; and,

Jimmy Earl Raspberry, age 31, of Lamesa, Texas.

“The success of this investigation exemplifies the outstanding cooperation among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in the Permian Basin Region. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners in order to enhance the quality of life in the neighborhoods throughout this area,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Joseph M. Arabit.

This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Midland Resident Office and the Monahans Police Department with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Texas Department of Public Safety as well as Task Force officer’s of the Midland Sheriff’s Office and the Midland Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Parras is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.