NCSO News

Labor Day Weekend – the last holiday of the summer, so that means a lot of people will be traveling and attending celebrations or sports events where alcohol may be present. Remember, having a few drinks, and getting behind the steering wheel can make for dangerous, even deadly conditions on the road. “Save a Life, Don’t Drink and Drive!”

During this holiday weekend, Deputies will be out in force looking for impaired motorists, speeding, seat-belt and other traffic violations county-wide. The office is asking for public support to keep our roads safe, and encourages you to contact the office, or dial 9-1-1 if you see anyone driving impaired.

Some of the signs could be an erratic driving pattern, weaving back-and-forth in between lanes, or over into other lanes, not stopping completely at stop signs or red lights, or rolling red lights on right hand turns. If you think you have someone driving in front of, or beside you that is possibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please dial 9-1-1. That’s the only way that we’re going to get out there in a quick manner to make an arrest if necessary.

On Wednesday, August 15, 2018, a Nolan County deputy conducted a traffic stop on a red sedan for defective equipment in the 100 block of Lewis Front, in Sweetwater. Contact was then made with the driver, Dusty Dekota Sutton, of Sweetwater.

During a roadside investigation the deputy detected indicators of criminal activity which subsequently led to the discovery of a substantial amount of suspected methamphetamine.

Sutton was placed under arrest and transported to the Nolan County jail where he was charged with the felony offense of Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance. This case will be filed with the 32nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

On Tuesday, August 7, 2018, Nolan County deputies conducted a traffic stop on a motorcycle for a minor traffic infraction in the 800 block of Wall Street, in Sweetwater. Contact was then made with the operator, Antonio Campos Guerra, of Rotan.

During a roadside investigation the deputies detected indicators of criminal activity which led to the discovery of a substantial amount of suspected methamphetamine, and paraphernalia.

Guerra was placed under arrest and transported to the Nolan County jail where he was charged with the felony offense of Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance. This case will be filed with the 32nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

The Nolan County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, in conjunction with the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division, initiated a year-long investigation involving the distribution of narcotics, namely methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana in Nolan County. The investigation has resulted in multiple indictments against multiple individuals.  More indictments are expected.

The 32^nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office successfully prosecuted the first of those individuals, Daniel Charles Jackson, for (1) Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, (2) Manufacture / Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Heroin), and (3) Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (Methamphetamine).

On Tuesday, a jury trial commenced against Mr. Jackson in the 32^nd Judicial District Court of Nolan County, Texas.  On Thursday evening, the jury found Mr. Jackson guilty of all three charges.  On Friday afternoon, the jury sentenced Mr. Jackson to 76 years for Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, 75 years for Manufacture / Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Heroin), and 74 years for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (Methamphetamine).  While the sentences will run concurrently, because of the Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity charge, Jackson will be required to serve no less than half of the 76-year sentence before being considered for parole.

Some of the co-conspirators are now awaiting trial, with additional arrests and prosecutions expected in relation to this investigation.

“The citizens of Nolan County do not want drug dealers here.  The Sheriff’s Office stands strong with the community against criminals like Mr. Jackson.  The Nolan County Sheriff’s Office, along with its many State and Federal partners will continue efforts to not only disrupt, but also dismantle each and every criminal organization operating within this county,” said Sheriff David Warren.

“I could not be prouder of my dedicated NCSO staff and the team effort with the Texas Department of Public Safety.  The District Attorney’s office did a great job of prosecuting the case and together, we will be making a significant dent in the illegal drug trafficking here in Nolan County.

I especially want to thank the exceptional men and women that served on the jury.  Their diligence and verdict will send a loud message to drug dealers that come here simply to profit by destroying our community,” said Warren.