BEXAR COUNTY, Texas — Eight individuals, including four inmates, are facing felony charges after authorities uncovered a drug smuggling ring operating inside the Bexar County Jail, Sheriff Javier Salazar announced Monday.
The investigation began on April 28 when the Contraband Abatement Team (CAT) discovered significant quantities of illegal substances in a jail cell. The seizure included 105 grams of methamphetamine, 69 grams of marijuana, Xanax tablets, vape pens, and a brown waxy substance — all valued at several thousand dollars. Two inmates in possession of the drugs were removed from the facility and are now facing charges.
Information from a confidential informant helped investigators identify other suspects involved in the smuggling operation, leading to a series of arrests.
On Friday, Joann Garcia, 38, allegedly supplied an undercover deputy with 50 grams of meth, along with contraband like cigarettes and vape pens, believing they would be smuggled into the jail. Garcia was arrested Monday and charged with:
Engaging in organized crime
Introducing prohibited substances into a correctional facility
Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance (PG1: 4–200 grams)
Others charged with engaging in organized crime and smuggling prohibited substances into the jail include:
Noe Martinez, 33
Noemi Aracely Cortez, 50
Jose Ramos, 24
The inmates facing the same charges are:
Xavier Rico, 29
Carlos Gonzalez, 38
Ruben Ceciliano, 32
Ronnie Barnhardt, 29
Additionally, three Bexar County deputies were found to have violated departmental policy. Though not criminally charged as of now, they are no longer employed:
Khrushchev Mayweather, 39 – dismissed in early May
Juan Diego Avina, 22 – terminated Monday
Jesse Pollard Blata, 23 – resigned ahead of likely termination
Sheriff Salazar emphasized that although no criminal conduct was currently linked to the former deputies, the investigation is ongoing. “If it were up to me, we’d be arresting them tonight,” he said, noting a “strong possibility” more deputies may be involved.
Salazar also said efforts are underway to improve jail security, although specific details about upgrades were not disclosed.
