WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — New information has been released regarding a major federal operation conducted by multiple local, state and federal agencies that led to federal charges against nearly two dozen alleged drug traffickers in the Wichita Falls area.

According to a press release from the office of Leigha Simonton, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, 22 alleged drug dealers in Wichita Falls have been federally charged.

The press release said 16 of those 22 defendants were arrested during a takedown on Thursday, May 16, 2024, that included the use of multiple tactical units. The release said six defendants had previously been taken into custody.

According to the press release, the takedown on May 16 included SWAT teams from five FBI divisions, the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team, the Texas Department of Public Safety Special Response Teams, the U.S. Marshals, and the Wichita Falls Police Department.

The press release said 21 of the 22 defendants were charged via criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances:

• Dywane Cecil Graham, aka “D”
• Dmetrius Lakeith Brooks, aka “D Blocc”
• Dominique Equincy Hall, aka “Playa D”
• Nicholas Bryan Darcus, aka “Locc D”
• Brandy Lynn Flowers, aka Brandy Mason
• Jaryd Blake Howard
• Jewel Wayne Fletcher, Sr., aka “Goofi”
• Sarah Leann Parker, aka Sarah Davis
• Robert “Bobby” Lee Collins
• Madeline Josephine Stephens, aka Madeline Kearney
• Elisha Earl Johnson, aka “Cash”
• Samuel Conta Manuel, aka “Butterman”
• Kiesha Tanga Wyatt, aka “Tanga”
• Shedrick “Sed” Cortez Cyrus
• Robert Thomas Bustamante
• Kenzie June Lozano
• William Lee Freeman, aka “Ghost”
• Jack Bishop Cline
• Dwight Albert Simpson, aka “Tray”
• Jimmie Scott Williams, aka “Motorcycle Man”
• Stanley Wayne Britt

According to the criminal complaint, the investigation began in March 2023 when law enforcement learned from confidential informants that Graham and Brooks, both associated with the Crips street gang, were operating a methamphetamine distribution ring in Wichita Falls, Vernon and the surrounding areas.

The complaint said over the next few months, authorities deployed several confidential sources to make multiple drug buys, which were video and audio recorded.

According to the complaint, authorities also searched several suspects’ vehicles and residences, where they recovered copious amounts of methamphetamine and numerous firearms.

The complaint said on one occasion, a defendant led police on a near-10-mile pursuit, tossing a Ziploc baggie full of meth out his window as he sped off.

Over the course of this investigation, law enforcement recovered the following:

• 7,229.46 grams of methamphetamine
• About 719 grams of powder cocaine
• About 55 grams of crack cocaine
• About 49.75 grams of powdered fentanyl
• About 2,197 counterfeit Percocet pills laced with fentanyl
• 9 firearms

The press release said a 22nd defendant, Ujamaa Jelani Rashaun Ballard, was charged in a separate criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Authorities said a criminal complaint is merely an allegation of wrongdoing, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, they each face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison.

According to the press release, Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Montes is prosecuting the case.