Seventeen Charged in Abilene Drug Bust: Meth, Cocaine, Fentanyl, and Firearms Seize
Seventeen individuals have been charged in connection with a significant drug bust in Abilene, as announced by U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Leigha Simonton, on Wednesday.
The operation, which involved over 80 agents and officers from various law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, Abilene Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (ATF), and IRS – Criminal Investigations, resulted in the seizure of substantial quantities of illicit substances and firearms.
The seized items include 29 kilos of methamphetamine, 721 grams of cocaine, 1370 grams of fentanyl, and 60 firearms.
Those charged, listed in four separate indictments, face various allegations related to conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances, as well as possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. Some individuals are also charged with possession of firearms in connection with drug trafficking crimes.
The individuals charged:
- Diana Nichole Perez (aka Diana Santana)
- Orson Rolando Ortegon
- Rafael Perez
- Eddie Ochoa Lomas
- Angel Alvarez
- Hannah Rai Gongora (aka Hannah Alvarez)
- Jacob Lee DeLeon
- Jason Eugene DeLeon
- Nathaniel Deal
- Lisa Ann Beckham
- Gloria Santibanez
- Petra Soliz
- Alexandrea Delgado
- Laura Trevino
- Juan Manuel Oliveros Jr.
- Joseph Brassell
- Joshua Gosson
The defendants named in the indictments are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, some could face lengthy prison sentences, including life imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the DEA’s Dallas Field Division, FBI’s Dallas Field Office, Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, and Abilene Police Department, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, ATF’s Dallas Field Division, and IRS – Criminal Investigations. Prosecution of the cases is being handled by the West Texas Branch of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas.
