The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office along with the Forney Police Department demonstrated this morning a commitment to rid Kaufman County of illegal narcotics trafficking. Narcotics Investigators from both agencies have been conducting an aggressive investigation into Marijuana Trafficking that was believed to be originating in the north west part of Kaufman County. For the last week officers from both agencies have been conducting extensive surveillance on several persons believed to be trafficking marijuana throughout north Texas.

After several man hours and around the clock efforts, officers began to see results from their efforts. In the early morning of Tuesday October 22, 2008 investigators initiated a traffic stop in the 500 block of north FM 548 in the City of Forney on two of the vehicles that they had been following. During the traffic stop narcotics investigators discovered an estimated 30 pounds of marijuana in one of the vehicles, a grey 2008 Dodge Pickup. The driver identified as David Johnson, 23 of Rockwall, was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana greater than 5 pounds less than 50 lbs a 3rd degree felony and Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity a 2nd degree felony.

Shortly after, investigators executed a search warrant at 2019 Wildwood in the unincorporated area of north west Kaufman County. During the search investigators discovered an additional 10 pounds of marijuana, 100 pills of hydrocodone, .5 ounce of cocaine, and a money counter. Investigators also arrested Brandon Lemmons, 24 of Kaufman County, and Melissa Koffel, 28 of Garland; both were charged with in Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, 2nd degree felonies.

All total investigators seized 40 pounds of Marijuana, 100 pills of Hydrocodone, .5 ounces of cocaine, a money counter, 2 pistols, $3,000 cash and 3 vehicles. Investigators stated there will be more search warrants and more arrests in the near future. Chief Barnes from Forney P.D. stated, “I am proud of the joint efforts made by the Forney Police Department and the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office. Together we are letting the public know that we will not tolerate this kind of criminal activity in our community.”

Koffel, Lemmons and Johnson are currently being held at the Forney Police Department awaiting transfer to the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office.

David Johnson, $120,000 Bond

Mellisa Koffel, $100,000 Bond

Brandon Lemmons, $100,000 Bond

Confiscated Drugs, Guns and Money

Confiscated Drugs, Guns and Money

Source: Sgt. Bryan Francis, Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

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