DPS arrests 18 in meth investigation

GONZALES, TX The DPS narcotics investigation lasted from November 2007 through May 2009. Investigators believe that the suspects used family members and other people to make numerous pseudoephedrine purchases from pharmacies, as well as buying anhydrous ammonia and other precursor chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine.

According to DPS, narcotics investigators used sales logs from pharmacies throughout the south-central Texas area to determine that several individuals were purchasing large amounts of pseudoephedrine from pharmacies located in Gonzales, Houston, Corpus Christi, San Antonio and Georgetown and other towns.

Investigators believe that the conspirators made approximately 17 pounds of methamphetamine in the 18 month period.

DPS was assisted by the Gonzales Police Department and the Gonzales County Sheriff's Office in the investigation and arrests.

Arrested individuals:

• David Rodriguez: arrested 10-08-09 in Gonzales
• Jesse Arriola: arrested 10-13-09 in Gonzales
• Sandra Arriola: arrested 10-13-09 in Gonzales
• Timothy Wilson: arrested 10-13-09 in Gonzales
• Erica Rivera: arrested 10-13-09 in Gonzales
• Guadalupe Rivera: arrested 10-13-09 in Gonzales
• Robert Heldarson: arrested 10-13-09 in Gonzales
• Minerva Hernandez: arrested 10-13-09 in Gonzales County
• Minerva Govea: arrested 10-13-09 in Gonzales County
• Mike Sanders: arrested 10-13-09 in Gonzales County
• Alvin Douglas Windwehen: arrested 10-13-09 in Gonzales
• Rhonda Gass: arrested 10-13-09 in Gonzales
• Jacob Evans: arrested 10-13-09 in Gonzales
• Beth Grier: arrested 10-13-09 in Gonzales County
• Tammy Shelton: arrested 10-13-09 in Gonzales County
• Tommy Carlile: currently in custody in Lavaca County on another charge
• Roger Beene Jr.: currently in custody in Guadalupe County on another charge
• Emily Arriola: surrendered 10-14-09 to U.S. Marshals in San Antonio

Additional indictments and arrests are expected in this ongoing criminal investigation.

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