Three arrested in South Liberty Oilfield drug bust

On Aug. 15, 2024, the Liberty County Pct. 4 Constable’s Office initiated a joint investigation with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Beaumont Office after receiving a request for assistance from Liberty County Pct. 1 Constable Tammy Bishop.

Constable Bishop had received information from a concerned citizen alleging that a felon was involved in selling methamphetamine and was in possession of firearms and explosives at a residence located in the South Liberty Oilfield.

The investigation concluded on the morning of Monday, Sept. 30, with the execution of a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of Duff Road in Liberty, Texas. The search warrant, issued by Liberty County 253rd District Court Judge Chap Cain, was executed by the Liberty County Pct. 4 Constable’s Office with the assistance of the Liberty County Sheriff’s Department SRT Team, ATF-Beaumont, Liberty County Pct. 6 Constable’s K9 Unit, and the Liberty Police Department.

During the search, authorities reportedly seized approximately six ounces of suspected methamphetamine, packaging materials, scales, and paraphernalia. Chemicals and glassware commonly used in manufacturing methamphetamine were also reportedly discovered, along with multiple handguns and chemicals typically associated with the production of explosives.

Three suspects were arrested at the scene: Claude Morris Gilbert, Tonya Osorio, and Marcus Hubert, all of Liberty, Texas. Each of the suspects has been charged with one count of Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance in Penalty Group 1, Four Grams or More but Less Than 200 Grams, a Second Degree Felony.

Claude Morris Gilbert also faces additional federal charges, including Felon in Possession of Firearms, Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Crime, and Felon in Possession of Explosive Materials.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Constable Robby Thornton encourages anyone with information regarding narcotic trafficking to contact local law enforcement or the Pct. 4 Constable’s Office at 936-258-4711 or by emailing robby.thornton@co.liberty.tx.us.