Tracknum: 31479.95.a56bfd.26f64d8c
Pubdate: Sun, 17 Sep 2000
Source: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (TX)
Copyright: 2000 The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
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LEA COUNTY DEPUTY BUSTED AT BORDER BY DEA AGENTS

LOVINGTON, N.M. An investigator for the Lea County Sheriff's Department was arrested early Saturday after U.S. Border Patrol agents allegedly found almost 38 pounds of marijuana in his car at a checkpoint in Texas.

Isidro N. Meza Jr., 29, was off-duty and was driving his personal pickup at the time, according to Lea County Sheriff's officials.

Meza's family was with him but was released.

Sheriff's officials said Meza was placed on paid administrative leave.

He was arrested by Drug Enforcement Administration agents at a Border Patrol checkpoint set up about four miles south of Marfa on Texas 67.

Meza was booked into the Brewster County Jail in Alpine without bond on suspicion of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, use of a minor in the commission of a felony and utilizing a firearm in the commission of a crime.

Meza has been with the Lea County Sheriff's Department for a year. He was previously employed by the Eunice Police Department, where he was assigned to the Lea County Drug Task Force.