Eight indictments have been handed down in Smith County for an alleged organized prescription drug ring that targeted Wood and seven other East Texas Counties.

An investigation was begun a year ago after Lindale police arrested Jesus Granados, 25, of Dallas at a local pharmacy where he was suspected of using a forged prescription  to obtain Promethazine with codeine, a schedule V controlled narcotic.

Assistance was requested from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) special agents.

Agents discovered Granados was one of several suspects operating statewide out of Dallas with ties in Louisiana and Florida. They discovered more than 300 gallons of fraudulently obtained product, with at least seven doctors’ prescription registration numbers being compromised.

The eight were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, each carrying a bond amount of $500,000.

They included the following:

•  Jordan Rose, 28, of Dallas

• Michael Conner, 27, of Dallas

• Jesus Granados, 25, of Dallas

• Alexander Williamson, 38, of Baltimore, Md.

• Teresa Williamson, 34, of Staunton, Va.

• Julian Edwards Robinson, III, 23, of Longview, Wash.

• Armesha Jackson, 38, of Mesquite

• Elisha Hutchinson, 22, of Schertz

The agents determined that Rose directed the operation, using food, housing, clothing, phones and drugs to control more than 40 people recruited by the other seven suspects.

Rose posted bond in Smith County and was taken to Tarrant County, where he was arraigned and released. However, Rose has outstanding warrants in Bexar County, Louisiana and Florida with bonds totaling more than $3 million. Rose is a wanted fugitive. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact DPS Special Agent Richard Brown at (903) 939-6143.