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| Christpher Lee Johnson | Marc Shawn Walden |
According to Brown County Sheriff Bobby Grubbs, an ongoing investigation of drug trafficking groups in Brown County which are tied to Mexican drug gang activity has led to the arrest of two and seizure of cash and a vehicle from arrestees on Wednesday.
A press release by Sheriff Bobby Grubbs states:
Over the past few months, Brown County Sheriff’s Office Deputies have been focused on methamphetamine trafficking by drug trafficking groups in Brown County. On Wednesday, at about 12:15 pm, on February 8, officers observed suspicious activity and stopped a vehicle out of the ongoing investigation. The vehicle was occupied by 31-year-old Marc Shawn Walden of San Angelo and driven by 31-year-old Christopher Lee Johnson of Brownwood. Both occupants were heavily under the influence of methamphetamine. Sheriff’s deputies requested a canine from the Early Police Department to assist. The canine conducted a free air search of the vehicle and alerted to the presence of drugs.
As a result of the search, BCSO Deputies discovered about $18,265.00 in U.S. Currency, over 2.5 ounces of high grade methamphetamine, a small amount of marijuana, and a loaded Glock semi-automatic pistol. These evidentiary items were contained in a backpack claimed by Walden. Walden and Johnson were taken into custody and booked into the Brown County Jail as subsequent investigative work continued.
Through the investigation and interviews, it was determined that Walden is heavily associated with Mexican gang drug trafficking. Walden told investigators he had secured a pound of methamphetamine from Mexican gang members in San Antonio and stated he distributed most of the methamphetamine to subordinate traffickers in the Brownwood and San Angelo areas. Johnson was a subordinate trafficker to Walden. Additionally, the follow up investigation led to the seizure of a 2009 Chevrolet C3500, diesel 4X4 pickup, owned by Walden.
Both Walden and Johnson have extensive criminal histories, including multiple felony and misdemeanor arrests for drugs, weapons, and various criminal offenses. The investigation of methamphetamine trafficking by Walden, Johnson, and their criminal associates is ongoing and it is expected that further arrests will be made. Additionally, both will be charged for the possession of these items in a Drug Free Zone (within 1000 feet of Coggin Park, at Parkway at Austin Avenue).
Sheriff Grubbs reminds the public that the Brown County Sheriff’s Office has a very strong emphasis on criminal law enforcement. All criminal law offenses, especially drug offenses, are emphasized as the top investigative priorities of the Sheriff’s Office. CID Investigators Carlyle Gover and Jason Benefield are the lead officers in this investigation. CID Sergeant Lana Guthrie is the supervisor of the CID unit.
“I strongly commend my officers for their hard work and diligence in this investigation,” said Sheriff Grubbs.
Below is a photo of BCSO Investigators preparing evidence for the District Attorney’s Office.
