News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 24, 2006

“Crack" Down in Kingsville Nets 15 for Drug Trafficking

FEB 24 -- (CORPUS CHRISTI, TX) United States Attorney Chuck Rosenberg, Kingsville Police Chief Rick Torres, Commander Jaime Garza of the Specialized Crimes and Narcotics Task Force and DEA-Houston Special Agent in Charge James Craig announced today the results of a year long operation targeting drug trafficking activity in a Kingsville residential area near churches and schools. The undercover investigation, called “Operation King Rock,” has netted 15 individuals.

The 15 defendants taken into custody this week are accused by indictment of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. "Crack" or "rock" cocaine is an off-white chunky material sold in gram quantities at prices ranging from $20 for a quarter gram to $250 for an “8-ball” (approximately 1/8 ounce or 3.2 grams). Crack cocaine is usually smoked.

All of the federal charges carry a punishment range of no less than five years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison, without parole, and up to a $4 million fine, upon conviction.

In a joint statement, Chief Rick Torres and Commander Jaime Garza said, “Today’s law enforcement action is evidence of our continuing effort to nip in the bud a growing problem in our city. We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our neighborhoods and our neighbors.”

Six of the 15 defendants charged were arrested today by investigating agents and are expected to make their initial appearance in federal court beginning this afternoon. The six arrested today are:

Christopher Rhone, 21, of the 300 block of South 23rd, Kingsville, TX;
Michael Torres, 21, of the 1100 block of East Fordyce, Kingsville, TX;
Denise Marcella Thomas, 29, of the 600 block of West Johnston, Kingsville, TX;
Eddie Rodriguez, 22, of the 600 block of East Ave.C, Kingsville, TX;
Lucurtis Albright, 22, of the 1600 block of Santa Gerturdis, Kingsville, Texas; and
Luis Felipe Arredondo, 39, of the 500 block of West Frances, Bishop, TX.

Yvonne Vasquez, 25, of the 1000 block of Brownsvilla, Kingsville, Texas, was also indicted and today was served with a warrant to appear in federal court.

Cipriano Garcia III, 19, of the 1300 block of South 13th Street, and Mac Arthor Clack, 22, of the 300 block of South 23rd, both of Kingsville, Texas, and Guillermo H. Garcia, III, 36, of the 200 block of Riverview Drive, George West, Texas, have also been indicted as a result of this investigation. All three of these defendants are in state custody on related charges. Warrants have been served to ensure their transfer to federal custody upon release by the state.

The following five defendants were arrested earlier this week:

Robert Lewis Clack, 27, of the 300 block of East 2nd Street, Bishop, TX;
Roddrick Dwayne Clack, 23, of the 400 block of West Johnston, Kingsville, TX;
David Resurez, 25, of the 200 block of South 1st Street, Kingville, TX;
Juan Carlos Solis, 21, of the 700 block of E. Cornelia, Corpus Christi, TX; and
Christine Katherine Noyes, 21, of East Co. Rd. 2120, Kingsville, TX.

The investigation was conducted by the Kingsville Police Department, the South Texas Specialized Crimes and Narcotics Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration Corpus Christi Resident office with the assistance of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.