Liberty County, TX — Allen Joe Fregia Sr., recently convicted of felony possession of a controlled substance, remains at large after fleeing during his trial proceedings. Despite his absence, the 75th District Court, under Judge Kaycee Jones, proceeded with the trial, culminating in a guilty verdict on April 23.
The charges stem from a June 1, 2024, incident in Ames, Texas, where Liberty County Sheriff’s Corporal Katrena Johnston responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, she identified Fregia and the driver, Debra Ann Watts, both of whom had active arrest warrants. During the arrest, Fregia was found in possession of a crystal-like substance, later confirmed as 1.77 grams of methamphetamine by the DPS lab.
While Watts accepted a plea agreement, Fregia chose to stand trial. He attended jury selection but subsequently failed to appear for the remainder of the proceedings. Under Texas law, trials can continue in the defendant’s absence once a jury is empaneled. The jury heard testimonies from law enforcement and a DPS chemist before delivering a unanimous guilty verdict.
Fregia’s current whereabouts are unknown, and he is considered a fugitive. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
If you know the whereabouts of Allen Joe Fregia Sr., you can call Crime Stoppers at 800-392-7867 or visit www.multicountycrimestoppers.org. If an arrest is made, you may be eligible for a cash reward. Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards for tips leading to the arrest of felony offenders, and you remain anonymous. You will never be asked to give your name.
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