The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office secured a 40-year prison sentence for a repeat drug trafficker following a jury conviction and an overnight manhunt after the defendant fled the courthouse during trial.
Michael Dean Wetch, 59, was convicted of possession with intent to deliver, a first-degree felony, on Jan. 21, 2026, and was sentenced the following day to 40 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Erin Delano and Chief Prosecutor Brittany Hansford. Trial began Jan. 20, 2026, and was presided over by Judge Hafley, sitting for Judge Maginnis.
Wetch, a habitual offender with two prior prison sentences for possession of controlled substances, was arrested following a traffic stop in which officers discovered approximately 16 grams of methamphetamine. At trial, a witness testified the drugs belonged to her, despite not being present at the time of the traffic stop and never having come forward to law enforcement before trial. Prosecutors presented extensive digital evidence from Wetch’s cellphone that contradicted the testimony and established his role in drug distribution.
Jurors heard evidence from approximately 11 separate message threads documenting repeated purchases and sales of narcotics and firearms during the year preceding Wetch’s arrest. The evidence included conversations discussing the exchange of drugs for food stamps, demonstrating an ongoing pattern of drug trafficking activity.
During a recess while the jury was deliberating, Wetch left the courthouse. When his absence was discovered, Judge Hafley issued an order for his arrest, prompting a coordinated manhunt involving Montgomery County Precinct 4 deputy constables, a Texas Ranger and officers from the Humble Police Department. After approximately 10 hours of searching, Wetch was located and taken into custody around 1:30 a.m. He was arrested for bail jumping and returned to court for sentencing later that same day.
During the punishment phase, the jury heard evidence of eight prior convictions, including two prior prison sentences, along with additional evidence of drug and firearms trafficking. The jury returned a 40-year sentence after deliberating for less than 30 minutes.
The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office commended the dedication and professionalism of the Montgomery County Precinct 4 deputy constables, Texas Rangers and Humble Police Department officers whose coordinated efforts led to Wetch’s apprehension.
District Attorney Mike Holley said, “This sentence reflects our commitment to holding repeat offenders accountable and protecting the safety of our community. When defendants repeatedly choose to profit from dangerous drugs, Montgomery County will respond with robust prosecution and real consequences.”
Assistant District Attorney Erin Delano added, “Drug dealing is a way of life for Michael Dean Wetch. The work by the officers on this case and the jury’s verdict show that Montgomery County and its law enforcement agencies are committed to stopping the distribution of illegal narcotics.”
Great work by Montgomery County