Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
Following a months-long investigation of the activities of five men in the Austin, TX area, all five were arrested on Wednesday, August 5 according to a recent report at the Statesman. The investigation spanned several cities in the Austin area, and resulted in the seizure of about 2,500 grams of cocaine along with more than $60,000 in cash.
Brent Garrett, 41, and his son Brent Garrett Jr., 22, both of Hutto are suspected of being involved in cocaine trafficking through several networks in Williamson and Travis Counties, according to arrest affidavits. Police said months of information provided by confidential informants and multiple sources led to the arrests of the Garretts, and that members of the Austin Police Department’s Gang Suppression Unit tracked the men, watching what they suspected to be drug transactions. Father and son were arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
Another man, Terry Alexander, rode with the elder Garrett as the two made their way to a Target packing lot, where a man who was waiting got into the back seat of the vehicle. The man got out of the back seat a short time later and got into another car. Police believed they were watching a drug deal in progress. When Garrett and Alexander left the parking lot, the two men were pulled over because Garrett did not use a turn signal. Police called in a narcotics detection team, and ultimately found over 100 grams of cocaine in the center console of the car. Both were arrested.
Police also surveilled Garrett Jr. during an alleged drug deal at a Walgreen’s parking lot. When all was said and done, 37-year-old Eric Mendez and his cousin, 35-year-old Richard Anguiano, were arrested after it was learned Anguiano was meeting with the two to purchase three ounces of cocaine.
The majority of the evidence was found at the Garretts’ Hutto home, where authorities located $58,000 and approximately 2,500 grams of cocaine in a safe. Also inside the safe were digital scales, an electric money counter, gold jewelry, a loaded 9 mm pistol, and other items.
The Garretts and the three other men were arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Four of the men were held in the Travis County Jail on $250,000 bail, while the elder Garrett was held on a $100,000 bail.
Charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver are extremely serious, regardless of what state a person resides in. In Michigan, possession of a controlled substance involving Schedule I or II substances with intent to deliver can result in up to life in prison and/or up to $1 million in fines. The penalties an individual may face depend largely on the type and amount of drug involved, and his/her prior criminal drug history. Whether the drug transaction was made within a specific distance of a school, church, park, or home may also impact sentencing.
Anyone arrested for a drug crime, regardless of how minor or serious the situation may seem, must work with a highly skilled Michigan drug crimes attorney for the best possible outcome, and the best chance for protecting your freedom.