CONTRIBUTED REPORT

On Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at approximately 11:00AM, Members of the Austin County Special Response Team (SRT) executed a narcotics search warrant at the Columbus Inn located in the 2200 blk of SH 71 in Columbus, Texas. The operation was the result of an ongoing narcotics investigation by the Westside (HIDTA) Narcotics Task Force.Task Force Officers had been investigating reports of narcotics being distributed from the Motel. Suspects Jartavius Venghaus (25) and Tajh McMurtry (24) were arrested without incident. It was also discovered during the investigation, that suspect Jartavius Venghaus had active felony warrants out of Harris County, Texas and Texas Pardons and Parole. A search of the motel room where the defendants were arrested resulted in the seizure of crystal methamphetamine, crack cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), and marijuana. Several firearms were recovered as well to include an AK-47 style semi-automatic rifle. Charges filed on the defendants include Felon in possession of a firearm and three separate charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance. The Westside Narcotics Task Force covers four counties and is comprised of investigators from the Austin County Sheriff’s Office, Bellville PD, Sealy PD, Hempstead PD, Waller County Sheriff’s Office, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, and DEA. The Colorado County Sheriff’s Office and Columbus Police Department assisted with the operation.