An investigation into suspected narcotics inside the Lavaca County Jail has now produced felony accusations against three men. The Lavaca County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that a justice of the peace issued additional arrest warrants for Tyler Lee Miller and Brandon Scott Dearson. The two men join Keith Paul Woods, a Yoakum resident arrested in connection with the same continuing investigation. All three are accused of possessing a prohibited substance in a correctional facility and engaging in organized criminal activity, according to the sheriff’s office.

Narcotics discovered during cell inspection

The investigation began in June 2026 after narcotics were reportedly discovered during a routine inspection of a jail cell. The discovery prompted what the sheriff’s office described as an extensive investigation into the introduction of contraband inside the facility. Officials have not identified the suspected narcotic, disclosed the quantity recovered or said which cell was involved. The agency has also not publicly explained how the contraband allegedly entered the jail.

Miller and Dearson had previously been held in the Lavaca County Jail on unrelated felony charges, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators presented information and evidence to a Lavaca County justice of the peace, who then issued the additional arrest warrants. Both men have been charged with prohibited substance in a correctional facility, a third-degree felony, and engaging in organized criminal activity, a second-degree felony.

Woods arrested after visiting an inmate

In an earlier announcement, the sheriff’s office identified Woods as the first person arrested in the investigation. Authorities said Woods was taken into custody after leaving the sheriff’s office following a visit with an inmate housed in the county jail. His arrest was made under felony warrants accusing him of the same two offenses now filed against Miller and Dearson. 

Investigators seized multiple cellular telephones during Woods’ arrest and intend to examine them under court-authorized search warrants. The sheriff’s office said Woods is currently on parole from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice after serving a sentence for one or more previous felony convictions. 

Texas Rangers and federal investigators assisting

The Lavaca County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the investigation in partnership with the Texas Rangers and with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. Sheriff Steven E. Greenwell called the introduction of illegal drugs and other contraband into the jail “a direct threat” to detention officers, inmates and the integrity of the criminal justice system. Greenwell said his office would pursue criminal charges wherever the evidence leads, whether the alleged activity occurred in the community or inside the jail. Authorities have warned that additional arrests or charges may be forthcoming as investigators attempt to determine the full scope of the suspected activity.

All charges are allegations and do not constitute evidence of guilt. Woods, Miller and Dearson are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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