Burnet County sheriff's deputies arrest 17 in drug roundup

By Lew K. Cohn

Managing Editor

The Highlander

Working in conjunction with other local agencies, Burnet County Sheriff's deputies in the Special Operations Unit have arrested 17 individuals in Burnet and Llano counties as part of a month-long undercover investigation targeting methamphetamine dealers in the two counties that culminated in a raid Thursday at multiple locations.

Burnet County Sheriff Calvin Boyd said a total of 31 warrants were obtained on the 17 individuals arresed, charging each with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance in penalty group 1, more than one gram but less than four grams.

Each charge is a second-degree felony under Texas Penal Code, Chapter 481.112(c), punishable by a prison sentence of two to 20 years and a $10,000 fine.

“This represents a significant impact on the local methamphetamine supply network,” Boyd said.

Boyd added while this operation has been a success, he stressed that he will continue to support continued operations of this nature in the future.

“Drug use and abuse fuel many of the other crimes that occur in the county and it is important that we continue to vigorously pursue those that supply this poison in our communities.”

Authorities also seized a stolen motorcycle and $3,100 in Thursday's raid.

Identities and names of 12 of the arrested were released as of 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27:

Clint Wayne D'Spain, 44, Lampasas, manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and 17 capias pro fine charges — violate promise to appear, failure to maintain financial responsibility (four counts), failure to appear/bail jump (two counts), failure to appear, driving while license invalid (two counts), expired motor vehicle inspection, expired motor vehicle registration (four counts), speeding over 10 percent above posted limit, possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jackson Scott West, 19, Burnet, forgery of a government/national government instrument/money/security, possession of a controlled substance (two counts).

Drew Franklin, 18, Granite Shoals, manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance.

Jessie Ray Mungia, 22, Kingsland, manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance (two counts).

Jesse Jared James, 19, Llano, manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance.

Matthew Moss, 23, Kingsland, manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance (three counts).

Krissy Love Swearingen, 38, Kingsland, manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance (two counts).

Barbara Lee Haley, 35, Marble Falls, manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance (two counts).

Thelma Joyce Leifester, 48, Horseshoe Bay, manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance (three counts).

Jerry James “Jay” Guidry Jr., 40, Buchanan Dam, manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance (four counts).

Shawn David Hewell, 28, Granite Shoals, parol violation (burglary of a habitation), manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance.

Chester Alvin Mitchell, 32, Burnet, manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance.

Also taking part in the roundup with Burnet County and Llano County deputies were Marble Falls Police Department, Burnet Police Department, Horseshoe Bay Police Department and Heart of Texas Auto Theft Task Force.