A Dayton man wanted in Liberty County on multiple narcotics charges has been arrested in Columbia, South Carolina.
The Liberty County Pct. 4 Constable’s Office identified the suspect as Johnny Ray Chamuras, who was taken into custody at a Columbia hotel by deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division and Fugitive Task Force. He was transported to the Richland County Jail, where he is awaiting extradition to Liberty County.
The case began in January 2024, when Pct. 4 investigators launched an investigation into the distribution of Xanax pills and powder cocaine in Dayton. During multiple covert operations, an investigator purchased both Xanax and cocaine from Chamuras. Authorities believe he later suspected law enforcement involvement and cut off communication, making his whereabouts unknown for some time.
Investigators eventually prepared sworn probable cause affidavits, which were presented to Liberty County Pct. 4 Justice of the Peace Judge Larry Wilburn. Judge Wilburn issued three felony arrest warrants for Chamuras:
- Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance in Penalty Group 3, Less than 28 Grams (Xanax), a State Jail Felony.
- Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance in Penalty Group 1, 4g – 200g (Cocaine), a First-Degree Felony.
- Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance in Penalty Group 1, 4g – 200g (Cocaine), a First-Degree Felony.
In 2025, Pct. 4 investigators developed new information about Chamuras’ location and worked with the Liberty County District Attorney’s Office to secure a court order in furtherance of his apprehension. Visiting Liberty County 75th Judicial District Judge Todd Blomerth granted the order, which led investigators to the hotel in Columbia.
Constable Robby Thornton reminds the public that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. He encourages anyone with information regarding narcotics trafficking to contact local law enforcement or the Liberty County Pct. 4 Constable’s Office at 936-258-4711 or by emailing robby.thornton@co.liberty.tx.us. All tips will remain confidential.