Waller/Austin County Task Force Arrest Four In Drug Operation

A joint task force with investigators from the Hempstead Police Department and Bellville Police Department, Austin County Sheriff’s Office and DEA has resulted in the arrest of four in a drug operation according to a press release by the Austin County Sheriff’s Department via their Facebook Page.

PRESS RELEASE:
A lengthy investigation into narcotics distribution from a Waller County residence has resulted in the arrest of four individuals and the recovery of assorted illegal drugs, a stolen handgun, and a stolen vehicle.

On Tuesday, November 2, 2021, Members of the Westside Narcotics Task Force (HIDTA) served a search warrant at a residence located in the 500 block of 8th Street, Hempstead, Texas. During the execution of the search warrant, task force investigators located and seized crack cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy) tablets, controlled dangerous substances, marijuana, and United States Currency.

A 9mm semi-automatic handgun was recovered from inside the residence that was determined to be stolen after investigators checked the serial number. Task Force Investigators also located a 2011 Ford F-350 during the search warrant. When investigators checked the trucks VIN number, it was discovered the truck had been listed as stolen from Harris County, Texas.

Defendants, Craig Lewis, Malcolm Thomas, Ronald Turner Jr, and Tyson Mayes Jr were arrested and charged with offenses including, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of a firearm by felon, theft by possession of a stolen motor vehicle, and tampering with evidence. All subjects were transported and booked into the Waller County Jail.

This investigation was led by task force investigators from the Hempstead Police Department and Bellville Police Department. The Westside Narcotics Task Force (HIDTA) is led by Austin County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Matt Walls, and is comprised of Federal and local law enforcement from the DEA, Austin County Sheriff’s Office, Bellville Police Department, Sealy Police Department, Waller County Sheriff’s Office, Hempstead Police Department, and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office. The task force’s jurisdiction includes; Austin, Waller, Colorado, and Fayette County.

“This investigation is a result of the cooperative effort between our law enforcement partners to combat criminal activity”, said Task Force Commander Lt. Matt Walls.

The Westside Narcotics Task Force would like to thank the Hempstead Police Department and Waller County Sheriff’s Office for their support and participation with this operation.