On Friday, November 2^nd, 2018 several Nolan County, District and State law enforcement officers effected arrests on six Sweetwater area drug dealers.  The warrants and arrests were the result of a joint operation involving Nolan County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigations Division, Texas Department of Public Safety – Criminal Investigations Division (Abilene) and investigators with the 32^nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

The execution of the actual raid was a combined effort involving approximately eight officers from the agencies represented above.  The investigation was first initiated by Sgt. James Villanueva with the Sheriff’s Office.  “I am proud of my staff for working so hard on this growing problem. Additionally, the level of cooperation and assistance we have received from Texas DPS and the 32^nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office has been phenomenal. This is just one of a series of operations like this that have occurred in the past and will continue to take place in the future.” said Nolan County Sheriff David Warren.

A very significant amount of suspected methamphetamine was seized at one of the addresses along with a firearm.  “This was a prolific methamphetamine dealing operation here in Nolan County and part of an ongoing investigation.” said Warren.

According to Warren, “Approximately 500 grams of methamphetamine, valued at just over $50,000.00 was seized at an address located in the 300 blk. of W. Louisiana Street in Sweetwater during one of the arrests.”

Those arrested on Friday were:

1. Christian Joe BARRERA, age 23, white male, arrested at 305 W. Louisiana St., Sweetwater. Barrera is charged with Manufacture and Delivery of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) – Penalty Group 1, over 400 grams, 1^st Degree Felony – and – Interference with Public Duties (of a peace officer) – Class B Misdemeanor.
2. Yolanda Gail PIMPTON, age 48, black female, arrested at 1113 Alamo Street in Sweetwater. Pimpton is charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity – 1^st Degree Felony.
3. Shawntia Elain FLOYD, age 33, black female, of Sweetwater. Floyd self-surrendered at the Nolan County Jail realizing that officers were searching for her.Floyd is charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity – 1^st Degree Felony.
4. Earthie Kaylyn WALKER, age 52, black female, arrested at 106 F.K. Williams Drive in Sweetwater. Walker is charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity – 1^st Degree Felony.
5. Antonio Campos GUERRA, age 57, white male, arrested at 305 W. Louisiana Street in Sweetwater. Guerra is charged with Manufacture and Delivery of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) – Penalty Group 1, over 400 grams, 1^st Degree Felony, Unlawful Possession of Firearm (by a felon) 3^rd Degree Felony – and – a Motion to Revoke Probation out of Jones County for an original charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver.
6. Noah Job COPPLER, age 34, white male, arrested at 6412 E. Interstate 20 in Sweetwater. Coppler is charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance – Penalty Group 1 (methamphetamine) Less Than One Gram, a State Jail Felony.

Those charged with 1^st Degree Felony offenses could potentially face a penalty of 5 – 99 years in prison or life – and up to a $10,000.00 fine.

At the time of this news release, bonds have not been set on the six individuals.  They will all likely be taken before a Magistrate on Saturday morning.

Sheriff Warren emphasized, “I truly appreciate the help from local citizens that supplied some of the information on these drug dealers.  This is a great example of how it is supposed to work; citizens and area law enforcement agencies working closely together make our community a safer place to live.”

Sheriff David Warren