San Antonio Light
January 31, 1988
Man claims sheriff aided speed ring
ORANGE (UPI) - Orange County Sheriff James Wade bankrolled and supplied equipment for the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamines, a man who says he was a partner in the scheme told federal investigators.
The man, identified as Donnie Flowers, told agents Wade supplied equipment seized by the department and provided money from the sheriff's department's narcotics fund for the illegal operation, according to an affidavit filed by FBI Special Agent Zechariah Shelton.
Federal authorities Friday obtained a court order to protect Flowers from intimidation by Wade and his officers. Authorities also confirmed to the Houston Chronicle that the sheriff is the target of a drug probe.
Investigators said one item, a pump, was traced through its serial number to evidence seized by the sheriff's department in a December 1985 arrest. Shelton said the pump was taken as evidence when Hardin County sheriff's officers arrested Flowers last October.
Shelton also said Flowers reported delivering methamphetamines to sheriff's Deputy Don Duhon and another man Duhon admitted to receiving the drug in Wade's presence and to being present when the sheriff gave Flowers equipment from the property room, he said.
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