Two More East Texas Gang Members Sentenced in Drug Ring

Two more gang members in East Texas have been sentenced in a Tyler drug trafficking scheme. According to KETK, Derrish Graydon and Jeffrey Padilla have been sentenced in connection to a crack cocaine trafficking scheme that led to the arrest of several people during a long investigation last year.

Inside the Tyler Drug Trafficking Operation

In total, it was a 12-person operation involved in narcotics distribution and a money laundering conspiracy connected to the 5-2 Hoover Crips street gang.

On March 5, 2025, Tyler Police officers were doing surveillance on a residence at 1101 N. Moore, which was believed to have crack cocaine, evidence of narcotics sales and paraphernalia inside. Officers observed Padilla leave the residence on several occasions while attempting to conduct counter-surveillance.

Graydon was also seen leaving the residence to meet Samatraus Forge, who was the leader of the operation according to law enforcement. After Graydon met with Forge and returned to the residence, there were several people who were seen coming and going, which indicated to law enforcement that narcotics sales were taking place.

READ MORE: East Texas Drug Bust Targets Alleged Teen Drug Sales

Controlled Drug Buys Led to Key Evidence

Officers then conducted a controlled purchase from the residence; Padilla sold an informant 0.4 grams of crack cocaine. Graydon also sold an informant 3.2 grams at a later time.

Police continued to make controlled buys which resulted in the arrests of Graydon, Padilla, Forge, and several others for their involvement in selling crack cocaine and being suspected gang members.

Graydon and Padilla were arrested on September 29, 2025, on charges of engaging in organized criminal activity, two of which were later dismissed for both.

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Prison Sentences Handed Down in 2026

On May 27, 2026, Graydon pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Padilla also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 25 years. There are still nine other defendants that are awaiting trial for their charges.