TEXAS — Two additional members of a street gang have been sentenced for their roles in a crack cocaine trafficking operation that authorities say distributed narcotics in Smith County.
According to court records, Derrish Graydon and Jeffery Padilla were involved in a 12-person drug distribution and money-laundering operation connected to the 5-2 Hoover Crips street gang.
Investigators began gathering evidence in March 2025 while conducting surveillance at a residence on North Moore Avenue in Tyler that was suspected of being used for crack cocaine sales. Authorities said Padilla was observed leaving the residence multiple times while attempting to conduct counter-surveillance.
Investigators also observed Graydon meeting with Samatraus Forge, who authorities identified as the leader of the operation. Following the meeting, several people were seen coming and going from the residence, behavior investigators said was consistent with narcotics trafficking.
A week later, officers conducted a controlled drug purchase at the residence. According to investigators, Padilla sold an informant 0.4 grams of crack cocaine, while Graydon later sold an informant 3.2 grams.
Following additional controlled purchases and further investigation, Tyler police arrested Graydon, Padilla, Forge and several other suspects on Sept. 29, 2025. The defendants were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, though two charges against each man were later dismissed.
After pleading guilty on May 27, Graydon was sentenced by a judge in the 475th Judicial District Court to 20 years in prison. Padilla also pleaded guilty and received a 25-year prison sentence.
Authorities said the remaining nine defendants in the case are still awaiting trial.
