Thirteen Arrested in Drug Conspiracy

TYLER — U.S. Attorney John M. Bales announced Friday that 13 Longview residents have been arrested following a lengthy investigation into drug trafficking in the Gregg County area. An 18-count sealed indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in Tyler on May 11, charging the defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute hydrocodone and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Some defendants were also charged with multiple counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm or possessing a stolen firearm. A task force of federal, state and local law enforcement officers began arresting those individuals on May 16.

Those named in the federal indictment are Spencer Garod Elam, 37; Derek Lamar Elam, 36; Darrell McGuail Washington, 47; Jefferson Jonathan Taylor, 28; Derek Monte London, 30; Demarcus Antwuan Talley, 29; Kelvin Earl Washington, 34; Korri Dewayne Boyd, 33; Latasha Ann Washington, 30; Dwight Anthony McKinley, 37; Roderick G. Jackson, 23; Lakendrick Carl Freeman, 26; and Willie Thedric Andrews, 27. All except Freeman, Jackson, Latasha Washington, and Talley face additional firearms charges.

If convicted, the defendants each face up to 10 years in federal prison for the conspiracy charge and up to life for the firearms violation. Those charged with additional firearms violations face up to 10 years in federal prison. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of cash, firearms, and ammunition.