Operation Tornado

Date Posted: 05/18/2015

Operation Tornado

Nets 16 suspects, 21 charges with 7 Organized Crime Cases

On May 16-17, 2015, The Edwards County Sheriff's Office and the Real County Sheriff's Office executed 21 Arrest Warrants and 2 Search Warrants in both Edwards and Real Counties. The investigation started in March 2014 and the Warrants were issued as a result of a 14 month operation identifying local drug dealers who have operating within the two counties. The collaborative investigation between Edwards and Real County Deputies was a joint effort to deter, dampen and show a stern stance against drugs in both counties.

Real County Sheriff, Bruce Carr and Edwards County Sheriff, Pamela Elliott were both at the locations where the warrants were executed, and supervised the operation, which included the Deputies of Real and Edwards County, US Border Patrol - Rocksprings Station, State Game Warden Service -Leakey, Uvalde and Bandera, Real and Edwards County Constables. The Edwards County K9's were utilized in the operation and performed to their expertise finding additional drugs. Both Sheriff Elliott and Sheriff Carr would like to express their sincere gratitude to each agency who assisted in the execution of such a large operation that was performed with flawless execution.

The Operation was to be initiated on May 17, 2015 at 6:30 AM, but an incident began in Edwards County on May 16, at approximately 12:00 noon when an Edwards County Deputy was working traffic on SH 55 south north of CR 325. A vehicle was stopped for speeding and when the Deputy contacted the driver and passenger Tiffany Whitworth who was known to have Felony Warrants to be served on her during Operation Tornado. Another Edwards County Deputy arrived on scene with his K9 and the occupants of the vehicle rolled up the windows and sped away. Whitworth was observed tossing an unknown object from the vehicle that was later recovered by an Edwards County K9 unit and identified as possible methamphetamines. The vehicle then yielded to authorities and both subjects were arrested. Galindo for Evading Detention in a motor vehicle and Whitworth for Possession of a Controlled Substance 4-200 grams (methamphetamines) and 4 counts of Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance, (Methamphetamines) in a Drug Free Zone. Whitworth later admitted to Edwards County Deputies that she had discarded the 20 grams of Methamphetamines.

The following 11 people were arrested in Real and Edwards Counties:

Tiffany Whitworth 39; 4 counts of Man/del Controlled Substance, (Methamphetamines), in a Drug Free Zone and 1 count of Man/Delivery Controlled Substance/Engaging in Organized Crime, and Possession with Intent to Deliver A controlled Substance-Methamphetamines.
Jalen "Straight Edge" Hidalgo 21; 2 counts Delivery of Man/Delivery Controlled Substance (Methamphetamines), in a Drug Free Zone /Engaging in Organized crime.
Shannon Dewayne Hewett 35; 1 count delivery of Man/Delivery Controlled Substance (Methamphetamines), in a Drug Free Zone /Engaging in Organized Crime. 1 count of Delivery of Marijuana and is a Dirty White Boys Gang Member. Hewett, upon arrest, was found to be in Possession of Methamphetamines and Marijuana.
Juanita "Mary Jane" Ordaz Scott 36; 1 count of Delivery of Man/Delivery Controlled Substance (Methamphetamines), in a Drug Free Zone/Engaging in Organized Crime.
Cristina "Shorty" Flores 40; 1 count of Delivery of Man/Delivery Controlled Substance (Methamphetamines)
Michael Galindo 27; 1 count of Evading Arrest in a Motor Vehicle.
Siera Aguilera 28; 1 count of Delivery of Man/Delivery Controlled Substance (Methamphetamines) in a drug free zone and Engaging in Organized Crime.
Kiersten Isaacks; Possession of Methamphetamines.
Greg Hidalgo 58; 1 count of Delivery of Man/Delivery Controlled Substance (Methamphetamines), in a Drug Free Zone
Devon Frenzel 20; 1 count of Possession of Man/Delivery Controlled Substance (Methamphetamines)
Jimmy Dale Williams 52; Possession of Controlled Substance-Methamphetamines

The following subjects have active warrants out of Real County, Texas resulting from this investigation:

Christopher Tomerlin; 1 count of Delivery of Man/Delivery Controlled Substance (Methamphetamines), in a Drug Free Zone.

Treva Windham; 3 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance-Prescription Drugs-Xanax

Anthony Estrada; 1 count of Manufacturing/Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamines) in a Drug Free Zone/Engaging in Organized Crime. Estrada is a member of the Texas Syndicate Prison Gang.

Estrellita "Star" Falcon; 1 count of Delivery of Man/Delivery Controlled Substance (Methamphetamines), in a Drug Free Zone.

John Wood; 1 count of Delivery of Man/Delivery Controlled Substance (Methamphetamines), in a Drug Free Zone/Engaging in Organized Crime and a Aryan Brotherhood Gang Member.

If you have any information on the location of the above fugitives please contact Real County Sheriff's Office at (830) 232-5201 or any law enforcement agencies in your area.

Drug Free Zone means; within 1000 feet from a School, Organized Crime means; A person commits an offense if, with the intent to establish, maintain, or participate in a combination or in the profits of a combination he commits or conspires to commit the following;unlawful manufacture, delivery, dispensation, or distribution of a controlled substance or dangerous drug, or unlawful possession of a controlled substance or dangerous drug through forgery, fraud, misrepresentation, or deception, three or more persons who collaborate in carrying on criminal activities, although participants may not know each other's identity.

This mulita-jurisdictional investigation is only the tip of the iceberg, after further investigation, there will be additional arrest warrants that will be issued.