Drug sweep nets 21 suspects

By Guillermo Contreras
Published 06:53 p.m., Thursday, April 19, 2012

Federal agents have arrested 21 people in a drug sweep in Carrizo Springs and Big Wells.

The roundup stems from a 19-month undercover investigation targeting cocaine and methamphetamine suppliers in those areas, announced U.S. Attorney Robert Pitman and Javier Peña, special agent in charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in Houston and South Texas.

Earlier this week, a federal grand jury in Del Rio returned five indictments detailing charges that include conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of Central Elementary School in Carrizo Springs and Big Wells Elementary School.

Those arrested include Carrizo Springs residents Nathaniel Rodriguez, 21; Eduardo Garcia, 37; Michael Castillo, 37; Joaquin Garcia, 28; Martin Cantu, 48; Oscar Moreno, 37; Fabian Perez, 33; Anthony David Perales, 28; Jose Angel Valdes, 27; Santo Villa “Monster” Sepeda, 37; Ricardo Villa “Kike” Sepeda, 46; Vicente Sanchez Barrera, 29; Michael Anthony Guajardo, 21; Daniel Longoria, 45; Rogelio Longoria, 43; Antonio Trujillo, 41; and Francisco Villa, 36.

Also arrested were Big Wells residents John Paul Talamantes, 24; Monica Escamilla Talamantes, 39; Leonard Rodriguez, 21; and Jason Erik Avila, 32, of Haltom City, a news release said.

If convicted, they face up to 40 years in prison. They are scheduled for initial appearances Friday in Del Rio before U.S. Magistrate Judge Victor Roberto Garcia.

The case resulted from a joint investigation by the DEA and the Dimmit County Constable's Office. The U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations and the Texas Department of Public Safety assisted in the arrests.

gcontreras@express-news.net

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