CHEROKEE COUNTY, TX – A major drug bust led to the arrest of five individuals after a traffic stop in Rusk and subsequent search warrants executed at two properties in Maydelle. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office reported the seizure of substantial amounts of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana.
On March 4, a traffic stop was conducted on Loop 343 in Rusk, where authorities discovered 56 grams of methamphetamine. Joe Castillo, 56, of Rusk, was arrested and charged with manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance in penalty group 1, a first-degree felony. His bond was set at $50,000, and he remains in custody at the Cherokee County Jail.
Following the traffic stop, a search warrant was executed at a residence in the Maydelle Community, located at 271 County Road 1817. During the search, investigators found 198 grams of methamphetamine and 12 firearms. Ronnie Goff, 56, and Lee Deshawn Cockrell, 47, both of Maydelle, were arrested on similar drug charges. Harley Montgomery, 27, of Rusk, was also arrested at this location due to an outstanding felony warrant.
The investigation continued with the execution of a second search warrant at 156 County Road 1801 in Maydelle. There, authorities uncovered a staggering 2,150 grams (4.8 pounds) of methamphetamine, 112 grams of cocaine, 3.8 pounds of marijuana, and another firearm. Cody Jace Lawson, 34, of Maydelle, was arrested and charged with multiple drug-related felonies, including an outstanding felony warrant.
All five suspects are currently in the Cherokee County Jail and are awaiting arraignment. Authorities continue to investigate the operation, and the sheriff’s office has emphasized that all individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
