Federal Crackdown: 11 charged in North Texas for firearms trafficking, meth distribution and machine gun offenses

ABILENE, Texas - United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced today that federal charges have been filed against eleven individuals for various firearms and drug trafficking offenses following a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives-led investigation and violent crimes reduction initiative in Abilene.

All defendants are in federal custody and made their initial appearances today before U.S. Magistrate Judge John R. Parker.

"Today, we delivered a decisive blow against the criminal networks that threaten Abilene and the broader Taylor County community through the trafficking of illegal firearms and the distribution of dangerous narcotics," said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. "As Abilene continues to grow, protecting the safety and stability of this city remains one of my highest priorities. Let this serve as a clear warning: In unwavering partnership with our federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, my office will relentlessly pursue and dismantle these organizations. We will not allow our streets to be undermined by gangs, firearm traffickers, and drug dealers, particularly when these crimes fuel the brutal operations of cartel driven crime."

"Those who traffic firearms to criminals, arm cartel-connected networks, and push meth into our communities are fueling violent crime," ATF Dallas Special Agent in Charge Brian Garner. "ATF and our partners are disrupting these operations, targeting the people behind them, and holding them accountable. We will not stop pursuing those who threaten public safety."

Firearms Trafficking and Related Offenses

Seven individuals face charges related to firearms trafficking, including sales to prohibited persons and conspiracy to transfer firearms for use in felony and drug trafficking crimes, some with alleged ties to Mexican cartels:

• Larry Don Knight, Kenneth Dwayne Tittle and Dylan Tyler Todd are charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy and attempt to transfer firearms for use in felony and drug trafficking crimes, possession of firearms by convicted felons, attempted sale of firearms to prohibited persons, and distribution and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (methamphetamine). According to court documents, these individuals allegedly trafficked firearms and methamphetamine in the Abilene area, with some firearms intended for Mexican cartels. Defendants Tittle and Todd, both convicted felons, are also charged with selling firearms to a known prohibited person. Knight is additionally charged with methamphetamine distribution.
• Randall Kent Whitaker and Brandi Michelle Whitaker are charged with conspiracy to transfer a firearm for use in a felony and drug trafficking crimes, and attempted sale or transfer of a firearm to a prohibited person. The complaint alleges that the duo trafficked firearms in Abilene, including sales to a known felon, with the understanding that the firearms were bound for Mexican cartels. Whitaker is a convicted felon.
• Josiah Haynesworth is charged with sale or transfer of a firearm to a prohibited person and trafficking in firearms. Court documents allege Haynesworth knowingly sold a firearm to a convicted felon in Abilene.
• Justine Aten Harris is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to court documents, Harris allegedly sold multiple firearms, including a Springfield Armory .45 pistol and a 12-gauge shotgun, to a confidential informant in September 2026.

Methamphetamine Trafficking

Three individuals are facing federal charges for their alleged roles in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy:

• Coby Dale Foust, Jesseca Denah Foust and Christal Louise Rule are charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to the complaint, these defendants allegedly trafficked significant quantities of methamphetamine in the greater Abilene, Anson, and Albany areas of Texas.

Illegal Machine Gun Possession

One individual is charged with illegal possession of a machine gun:

• Aiden Ochoa is charged with illegal possession of a machine gun. The complaint alleges that Mr. Ochoa possessed a handgun equipped with an illegal machine gun conversion device, commonly known as a "Glock switch," in Abilene.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Dallas Division and the Abilene Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew L. Tusing and Jordan Magee from the Abilene Division are prosecuting the cases.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.