Three East Texans arrested in meth ring investigation

LONGVIEW — Three East Texans were behind bars Friday for their suspected involvement in a major methamphetamine ring, while authorities were still searching for another four suspects.

Billy Dean Driggers, 36, of Longview, Hunter Quin Tillery, 26, of Gilmer and Eric Chad Aaron, 26, of Gladewater were arrested Thursday. Driggers and Aaron remained in the Gregg County Jail Friday afternoon. Tillery was held in the Upshur County Jail.

The arrests were part of an ongoing investigation which began in January, 2003 called "Operation Icebox," according to the U.S. Attorney's office in Tyler.

Local, state and federal law enforcement officers began serving 14 federal arrest warrants in Longview, Upshur County and Dallas, charging the defendants with possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

The one-count federal indictment was returned by a grand jury in Tyler on February 6 charging 16 people in the case. Two defendants were already in custody when police made their Thursday arrests.

If convicted, the defendants face between 10 years and life in federal prison.

Authorities had planned to execute arrest warrants late this week on Clara Arnette White, 30, Anthony Andrew Brunner, 23, and John Alex White, 31, all of Longview and Christina Jean Ross, 28, of Gilmer.

Officials did not confirm Friday afternoon whether any of the remaining local warrants had resulted in more arrests. But the U.S. Attorney's office said it anticipated that the arrests this week could develop more evidence that could bring about additional indictments.

"For over four years, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies have worked around the clock to eradicate the methamphetamine trade in East Texas," said U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Orwig. "Operation Icebox continues to be a proven success."