Ranger Man Gets 30 Years for Organized Crime
By: News Release-Eastland County
Updated: May 15, 2012
Brian Scott Wells, 38, of Ranger, was sentenced by the Court on Monday after pleading guilty to possession of methamphetamine, a third-degree felony, and engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony.
Judge Steven Herod of the 91st District Court in Eastland County sentenced Wells to 10 years confinement in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the possession charge, and 30 years confinement for the Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity.
Wells was arrested after an intricate inter-agency investigation involving local law enforcement and the Criminal Investigations Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety. DPS Agents tied Wells to an extensive methamphetamine operation based in the Metroplex. Wells received delivery of the narcotics at a residence in Ranger where the methamphetamine was repackaged and distributed.
Cellphone records and cell tracking played an essential part in the shutdown of this organization. By his own admission, Wells was distributing methamphetamine at a rate of a quarter-pound a week during early 2011, and would sell to "anyone with a $20 bill." District Attorney, Russ Thomason, and Assistant District Attorney, Sarah Adams, represented the State, and Russell King from Dublin represented Wells at the hearing.
During the hearing Monday, evidence was presented that Wells had been previously convicted multiple times, including minor drug charges and burglary. The Court assessed the maximum punishment of 10 years for the possession, and 30 years out of a possible 99 for the organized crime. Wells was the second of four persons in the organization to receive a 30 year sentence, and 2 codefendants remain to be tried.
Monday after the sentence was pronounced, Thomason stated, "Drug dealers in Eastland County should beware. Undercover agents and special agents from DPS are actively working here and you will be caught." He continued, "This community has spoken out numerous times that methamphetamine, and the problems it brings, cannot be treated lightly, and my office will continue to respect those sentiments."
Judge Steven Herod of the 91st District Court in Eastland County sentenced Wells to 10 years confinement in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the possession charge, and 30 years confinement for the Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity.
Wells was arrested after an intricate inter-agency investigation involving local law enforcement and the Criminal Investigations Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety. DPS Agents tied Wells to an extensive methamphetamine operation based in the Metroplex. Wells received delivery of the narcotics at a residence in Ranger where the methamphetamine was repackaged and distributed.
Cellphone records and cell tracking played an essential part in the shutdown of this organization. By his own admission, Wells was distributing methamphetamine at a rate of a quarter-pound a week during early 2011, and would sell to "anyone with a $20 bill." District Attorney, Russ Thomason, and Assistant District Attorney, Sarah Adams, represented the State, and Russell King from Dublin represented Wells at the hearing.
During the hearing Monday, evidence was presented that Wells had been previously convicted multiple times, including minor drug charges and burglary. The Court assessed the maximum punishment of 10 years for the possession, and 30 years out of a possible 99 for the organized crime. Wells was the second of four persons in the organization to receive a 30 year sentence, and 2 codefendants remain to be tried.
Monday after the sentence was pronounced, Thomason stated, "Drug dealers in Eastland County should beware. Undercover agents and special agents from DPS are actively working here and you will be caught." He continued, "This community has spoken out numerous times that methamphetamine, and the problems it brings, cannot be treated lightly, and my office will continue to respect those sentiments."
