Chief Garrett Foster JASPER POLICE DEPARTMENT Jasper, Texas The Jasper Police Department announces the arrest of eight individuals in connection with the June 8, 2022, burglary of Lakes Area Pawn Shop, located at 603 South Wheeler Street in Jasper, Texas, during which multiple firearms were reported stolen. The burglary occurred during the early morning hours of June 8, 2022, when employees arrived at the business and discovered that the establishment was burglarized overnight and multiple firearms were stolen. What began as a local burglary investigation developed into an extensive, multi-agency investigation that continued for approximately four years and five months. Since the initial report, the Jasper Police Department, in coordination with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), have worked diligently to put the pieces together, develop investigative leads, gather evidence, and identify those believed to be responsible. Throughout the investigation, the Jasper Police Department received valuable investigative assistance and support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Southeast Texas Violent Crime Task Force. The combined efforts and continued collaboration of these agencies played an important role in advancing the investigation. On the morning of November 3, 2026, the investigation culminated in a coordinated multi-agency enforcement operation designated "Operation Pawn's Curse." Law enforcement officers simultaneously converged on multiple locations throughout Jasper County, Tyler County, Lufkin, and the Galveston area. The coordinated operation resulted in eight individuals being taken into custody on federal indictments. Those arrested include: Bruce Collins Jr., 23, of Jasper, Texas Jordan Dion Bluitt, 23, of Jasper, Texas Kellian Ray Weathered, 27, of Jasper, Texas Laverrick Middleton, 26, of Jasper, Texas, currently residing in the Galveston area Enrique Gonzalez, 30, of Tyler County, Texas Ahmaad Tylallen Agent, 23, of Lufkin, Texas Zachariah Richard Sigler, 23, of Lufkin, Texas Zahdyn Brooks, 23, of Wiergate, Texas, who was already incarcerated at another facility and was taken into custody in connection with the federal indictment. The federal charges associated with the investigation include: Conspiracy to Commit Theft from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Theft of Firearms from FFL Inventory Conspiracy to Possess Stolen Firearms Possession of Stolen Firearms The coordinated enforcement operation involved personnel from the Jasper Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshals Service, Angelina County Sheriff's Office, Lufkin Police Department, Tyler County Sheriff's Office, and law enforcement agencies from the Galveston area. A RESULT OF PERSISTENCE AND PARTNERSHIP An investigation that began with a burglary in June 2022 ultimately required years of investigative work, collaboration, and persistence to reach this point. The Jasper Police Department recognizes and sincerely appreciates the dedication and professionalism of all participating agencies and investigators. This case demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and the commitment to pursuing criminal investigations, even when resolution requires years of continued effort. The Jasper Police Department remains committed to protecting our community, investigating criminal activity, and working alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure those responsible are held accountable. All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. MEDIA INQUIRIES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION For questions regarding this investigation, the federal indictments, court proceedings, or any further updates, please direct inquiries to the United States Attorney's Office – Eastern District of Texas.