Jury Hands Repeat Drug Trafficker 40-Year Sentence After Courthouse Escape and Overnight Manhunt

The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office has secured a 40-year prison sentence against a repeat drug trafficker whose trial took a dramatic turn when he fled the courthouse while the jury was deliberating.

Michael Dean Wetch, 59, was convicted on January 21, 2026, of Possession with Intent to Deliver, a first-degree felony. He was sentenced the following day to 40 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Erin Delano and Chief Prosecutor Brittany Hansford, with the trial presided over by Judge Hafley sitting for Judge Maginnis.

Wetch, a habitual offender with two prior prison sentences for controlled substance offenses, was arrested after a traffic stop in which officers recovered approximately 16 grams of methamphetamine. During the trial, a witness testified that the drugs belonged to her, despite not being present during the stop and never previously coming forward. Prosecutors countered that claim with extensive digital evidence recovered from Wetch’s cellphone.

Jurors were shown roughly 11 separate message threads documenting repeated drug and firearm transactions over the year leading up to his arrest. The evidence included conversations discussing the exchange of narcotics for food stamps, which prosecutors said demonstrated an ongoing pattern of drug trafficking.

While the jury was deliberating, Wetch left the courthouse during a recess. Once his absence was discovered, Judge Hafley issued an arrest order, triggering a coordinated overnight manhunt involving Montgomery County Precinct 4 deputy constables, a Texas Ranger, and officers from the Humble Police Department. After about 10 hours of searching, Wetch was located and taken into custody around 1:30 a.m. He was arrested for bail jumping and returned to court later that day for sentencing.

During the punishment phase, jurors heard evidence of eight prior convictions, including two prior prison terms, along with additional evidence of drug and firearm trafficking. The jury deliberated for less than 30 minutes before returning the 40-year sentence.

“This sentence reflects our commitment to holding repeat offenders accountable and protecting the safety of our community,” said District Attorney Michael Holley. “When defendants repeatedly choose to profit from dangerous drugs, Montgomery County will respond with robust prosecution and real consequences.”

Assistant District Attorney Erin Delano added, “Drug dealing is a way of life for Michael Dean Wetch. The work by the officers on this case and the jury’s verdict show that Montgomery County and its law enforcement agencies are committed to stopping the distribution of illegal narcotics.”

The District Attorney’s Office also commended the Montgomery County Precinct 4 deputy constables, Texas Rangers, and Humble police officers whose coordinated efforts led to Wetch’s capture and final sentencing.