Operation Icebox Arrests Include Prominent Hispanic Leader. Tyler-Longview-Jacksonville, Texas

“Work continues tonight to break up an organized East Texas meth ring. So far, 16 people have been arrested in Operation Icebox. This morning, the DEA seized four bank accounts from those arrested and are working on seizing another. The people arrested are from all social groups, including a prominent leader in the Hispanic community.

“Disbelief at first,” said Darryl Bowdre, Executive Director of the Tyler Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. “Shock and we are still surprised and shocked and saddened.” 58-year-old Simon Balderas, Sr. now stands accused of distributing meth. For several years, he served on the Tyler Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce board, which works to strengthen minority businesses. Most recently, he was vice president.”

Stumble it! | |