Operation Summer Cleanup results in 14 arrests and curbs the local drug trade

KERRVILLE, Texas – Over a dozen arrests have been made recently in an effort to curb drug dealers in Kerr County.

The Kerr County Sheriff's Office said 14 people were arrested and charged with various drug-related charges, including manufacturing or delivery of a controlled substance, as part of what it called “Operation Summer Cleanup.”

“The completion of Operation Summer Cleanup demonstrates the success of our anti-drug efforts in Kerr County. Our special operations team worked around the clock on these complex cases and uncovered drug networks in our region. This operation removed dangerous drugs from our community and began the process of bringing those involved to justice,” said Sheriff Larry Leitha. “Many of these arrests are the result of weeks of diligent work by our investigators and warrant officers. We're not done yet. These cases will be referred for prosecution and our efforts will not relent. Methamphetamine and other drugs pose a daily threat to the citizens of Kerr County. Our fight against drug trafficking continues to gain momentum.”

Among those arrested:

• Priscilla Yolanda Benson, 48, of Kerrville, manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, PG1. Bail was set at $75,000.
• Herbert Brandon Betts, 37, of Kerrville, three counts of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, PG1, PG1B, PG2. The total bail is $110,000.
• Alyssa Ann Bill, 28, of Kerrville, two counts of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, PG3/4. Bail was set at a total of $25,000. Additional arrest warrants were also requested against Ms. Bill for previous charges.
• Pete David Diaz, 57, of Kerrville, manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, PG1. Bail was set at $50,000.
• Nicklaus Leona Fix, 24, of Center Point, manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, PG1. Bail was set at $30,000.
• Jason Erik Holland, 42, of Kerrville, manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, PG1. Bail was set at $25,000.
• Jordan Lemelle Kier, 28, of Kerrville, manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, PG3/4. Mr. Kier also had warrants for his arrest in connection with previous charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Bail was set at a total of $20,000.
• Shawn Wayne Merritt, 54, of Center Point, manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, PG1. Bail was set at a total of $165,000. Mr. Merritt also had an arrest warrant for additional drug charges.
• Johnie Seaborn McComb IV, 45, of Kerrville, two counts of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, PG1 and PG1B. Bail was set at a total of $105,000. Mr. McComb is being held pending an arrest warrant out of Bandera County on additional drug charges.
• Alfredo Ortegon Jr., 40, of Kerrville, manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, PG1. Bail was set at $75,000.
• Eric Matthew Parke, 30, of Kerrville, manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, PG1. Bail was set at $50,000.
• Christopher Quentin Pichardo, 47, of Kerrville, manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, PG1. Bail was set at $35,000.
• Martin Robles, Jr., 38, of Kerrville, three counts of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, PG1. Bail was set at a total of $195,000.
• Joshua Kyle David Smith, 40, of Kerrville, two counts of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, PG1 and PG 1/1B. Mr Smith also had warrants for bail jumping and was charged with previous drug offences. Bail was set at a total of $111,500.
• Roberto Christopher Soto, 18, of Kerrville, two counts of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, PG2 and PG2A. Mr. Soto also had two warrants charging him with harassment of a public servant. Bail was set at a total of $70,000.