In a coordinated effort by federal and local law enforcement, eight individuals were arrested in Lubbock, Texas, under the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. A series of indictments included charges ranging from the distribution of controlled substances to the illegal possession of firearms by convicted felons, as announced by the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Among those apprehended was Corey Rashad Gilmore, indicted on multiple counts including the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, the U.S. Department of Justice reported.
Other individuals facing similar charges are Justin Tyrece Crawford, Joe Lewis Ybarra, Jr., and Wesley Glenn York, Jr., each of whom was indicted for felonies involving firearms and drugs. Notably, Landon Henderson Jackson, Matthew Nelson, Kelli Lenay Hargrave, and Philip Murphy, were all indicted on charges linked to the distribution of methamphetamine. One last suspect, Matthew De La Cruz, is currently on the run, and authorities are actively seeking information on his whereabouts.
At a press conference, U.S. Attorney Simonton emphasized the collaborative nature of the operation stating, as per the U.S. Department of Justice, “PSN relies on the collective wisdom of law enforcement agencies – big and small – to identify, investigate, and prosecute our communities’ most significant drivers of violence.” She highlighted that rather than agencies operating in isolation, this approach fosters a unified front against crime. Lubbock Police Chief Seth Herman also recognized the importance of interagency cooperation. “The apprehension of the suspects related to this case is a testament to the strong working relationships we experience between agencies here in West Texas,” Herman said, per the U.S. Department of Justice.
The efforts of law enforcement led to the seizure of 12 firearms along with significant quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana. If convicted, the defendants could face a combined total of more than 27 years in federal prison. The takedown involved over three dozen agents and officers from various agencies, including the ATF, DEA, local police, and the FBI, highlighting broad support for PSN’s objectives to make neighborhoods safer through strategic enforcement against violent crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Redd, Sean Long, Matthew McLeod, and Stephen Rancourt, with the aid of Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Haag, are prosecuting the cases. These cases embody the goals of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program designed to bring together law enforcement at all levels with the communities they serve intending to reduce violent crime and enhance public safety.
