League City Police Arrest Two Houston Gang Members in “Jugging” Operation

On Monday, December 11th, 2023, League City Police Officers, assisted by the LCPD Criminal Investigations Division (CID), apprehended two suspects engaged in a “Jugging” operation. 32-year-old Byron Butler and 31-year-old Anthony Banks were both arrested and charged with Unlawful Use of a Criminal Instrument, each facing a $200,000 bond.
The incident unfolded at approximately 2:14 p.m. when LCPD Officer Fibich responded to a report from a Friendswood Police Department detective about a suspicious white Jeep in the parking lot of Chase Bank at 1751 W FM 646 in League City. Officer Fibich observed the suspicious vehicle and contacted CID detectives for further assistance.
Detectives initiated surveillance on the Jeep, noting its erratic behavior of changing parking spots without anyone exiting the vehicle. The Jeep, with heavily tinted windows, raised suspicions among investigators who recognized the pattern as consistent with “Jugging.” This criminal tactic involves monitoring bank customers who leave with cash and following them to seize the opportunity for theft.
At around 2:40 p.m., detectives observed a female leaving Chase Bank with U.S. currency. The Jeep began tailing her as she exited the parking lot, prompting detectives to maintain surveillance as the pursuit continued for 17 miles southbound on IH 45. Concerned for the woman’s safety, patrol officers were called in to intervene.
League City Officers Fibich and Jones, along with a Galveston County Sheriff’s Office deputy, conducted a traffic stop on the Jeep, detaining Butler and Banks without incident. Both suspects, identified as documented gang members from Houston, were found in possession of gloves, face masks, rolls of duct tape, and items associated with criminal activities. Broken glass in the Jeep suggested potential involvement in previous vehicle burglaries.
Butler and Banks were subsequently charged with Unlawful Use of a Criminal Instrument, with the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office setting a $200,000 bond for each suspect. Investigations are ongoing, and the League City Police Department encourages citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.