Twelve people are jailed following a federal investigation that uncovered a two year drug trafficking operation in East Texas.

U. S. District Attorney John Bales says the defendants are accused of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams of crack cocaine in and around the Henderson Area.

Local, and State agencies assisted Federal authorities in making the arrest before sunrise Wednesday.

The following defendants are in custody:

  • Deric Lamont Sheppard, aka “Big Shep,” 32, of Henderson;
  • Master Markeith Lacy, aka “Kiki,” 36, of Henderson;
  • Justin Lamark Porter, 23, of Overton, Texas;
  • Ernest Vantrezes Mallard, aka “Duck,” 30, of Henderson;
  • Derek Lamarcus Horton, aka “Null Null,” 27, of Kilgore, Texas;
  • Marcus Derail Porter, aka “Blade,” 30, of Henderson;
  • Kail Demond Lacy, Jr, aka “KJ,” 19, of Henderson;
  • Randy Cameron, 52, of Henderson;
  • Lattoris Dewuan Jackson, aka “Coonjack,” 32, of Henderson; and
  • Cornelius Marquis Murphy, aka “Papa Murphy,” 21, of Henderson, Texas.
  • Travis Lanard Porter, aka “Nard,” aka “Travis Deamon,” 35, of Henderson, and Johnny Ray Smith, Jr., 33, of Henderson, will appear next week before U. S. Magistrate John D. Love for their initial appearances.

If convicted of the drug conspiracy charge, the defendants face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison and fines of up to $10 million.  If convicted on the weapons violations, the defendants face at least 5 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.  The indictment also seeks forfeiture of any property used to commit or facilitate the crimes or derived from proceeds of the conspiracy.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Texas Department of Public Safety and Henderson County Police Department.  The U. S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, Rusk County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Department of Corrections assisted in the apprehension and arrests of the suspects.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Moore.

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