15 Busted in Central Texas Meth Ring Led by Jefferson, Sedberry

More than a dozen suspects are behind bars after a sweeping federal crackdown dismantled a sprawling methamphetamine distribution network across Central Texas. At the center of the operation: Corey Damont Jefferson, 39, of Temple, and Talmage Curry Sedberry, 34, of Waco—named as ringleaders in a conspiracy that flooded Bell, Coryell, McLennan, and Limestone counties with over 500 grams of meth since January.

A federal indictment unsealed today in Waco charges all 15 defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and actual distribution of the drug. Among those charged are Elgin Rayton Campbell, 30, of Mexia; Cesar Alfred Cazares-Rodriguez, 30, of Dallas; and Martin Paul De-La-Rosa, 29, of Waco—all facing 10 years to life for allegedly moving more than 500 grams of meth. Others, including Leroy Wildman, 33, of Temple, and Billy Edward Sedberry, 35, of Gatesville, face 5 to 40 years for distributing more than 50 grams.

The investigation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Temple Police Department, also involved the DEA, Texas Department of Public Safety, Killeen Police, and Mexia Police. Authorities moved swiftly after months of surveillance and coordinated intelligence, culminating in early-morning raids that swept up the entire network in a single wave of arrests.

Additional defendants include Aaron Sedberry, 34, and Marisela Garza, 31, both of Waco, along with Larry Darnell Branch, 43, James Edward Patterson, 30, Juandell Laron McCorkle, 34, of Temple, Timothy Lama Jackson, 31, Karmon Patterson, 32, and Aphtan Daniella Ochoa, 27—all from Waco. Ochoa is charged with distributing less than 50 grams, facing up to 20 years in prison.

All 15 remain in federal custody awaiting detention hearings next week before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey C. Manske in Waco. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Smith-Burris is prosecuting the case, emphasizing the collaborative effort that brought down what prosecutors describe as a well-organized, high-volume drug ring operating under the radar of local law enforcement.

An indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. But with stakes this high—life behind bars for some—the feds are sending a clear message: the meth pipeline into Central Texas just ran dry.

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