March 18, 2025
On Thursday, March 6, 2025, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit initiated a traffic stop on a blue GMC Envoy at the intersection of SH105 and the US-59 Feeder in Cleveland, Texas for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, deputies believed the occupants of the vehicle were involved in criminal activity and could smell the strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The operator was identified as Ismael Villegas-Ruiz of Houston, Texas. A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted and deputies located approximately one pound of marijuana hidden inside a center console. Deputies continued with the search and located a clear plastic bag containing what deputies believed to be approximately one kilo of suspected crystal meth hidden in the rear deck area. Also located inside the bag was a separate clear plastic bag containing an off-white powdery substance of approximately .14 grams of suspected cocaine. Villegas was arrested and charged with the following charges.
- Manufacture/Delivery Controlled Substance PG1 >400g Felony 1 “Meth”
- Manufacture/Delivery Controlled Substance PG1 4g<200g Felony 1 “Cocaine”
- Delivery of Marijuana 4oz < 5lbs State Jail Felony
(The information stated is from the deputy’s report. The defendant is presumed to be innocent until he is proven guilty.)
Thank you,
Bobby Rader – Sheriff
