On September 27, Elena Elizabeth Rivers (age-30) and Tryton Alonzo Thomas (age-33) both of Many were sentenced for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Thomas was sentenced to 21 years, 10 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Rivers was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Sabine Parish Sheriff Tactical Narcotics Team began an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Thomas. Thomas sold over 3.5 ounces of methamphetamine on four different occasions to individuals. On September 29, 2021, T.N.T. Agents observed Rivers drive Thomas from her house to conduct a drug transaction. Sabine Parish Sheriff Deputies and T.N.T. Agents attempted to make a traffic stop, but Rivers placed the car in gear and fled the scene. As she fled, she narrowly missed hitting two deputies who were on foot. During the chase that ensued, Agents observed Thomas throw a bag containing a white substance from the car. T.N.T. Agents were able to locate and recover the bag which contained methamphetamine. Rivers and Thomas were stopped shortly after and arrested. Following the chase, deputies executed a search warrant on Rivers’ residence and discovered methamphetamine, marijuana, 60 ecstasy pills, and numerous prescription drugs.
On October 5, Damien Martell Medlock (age-36) of Many was sentenced to 12 years, 7 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Medlock was indicted in June 2021 and plead guilty to the charge on May 16.
The case was investigated by T.N.T. and FBI Agents. In May 2021, T.N.T. Agents learned through their investigation that Medlock sold approximately 1 pound of methamphetamine to an individual. Following the sale of the methamphetamine, law enforcement agents arrested Medlock. A search warrant was obtained and executed at Medlock’s residence in Many. During the search of the residence, T.N.T. Agents discovered almost 3 pounds of methamphetamine in various containers in the kitchen, along with three digital scales, baggies, and a drug ledger that was found in the living area.
Sheriff Mitchell said the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office will continue to use federal partners and resources to target, arrest and prosecute the illegal drug dealers in Sabine Parish.
This makes a total of 12 federal sentences from the U.S. District Court from narcotic and firearm investigations by the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Aaron Mitchell in a little over two years.