Warrant Arrest Leads to Drug Discovery in San Angelo

On Tuesday, March 18, Tom Green County Deputies executed two arrest warrants for Michael Lorenzo Sanchez in the 900 block of Wichita Street in San Angelo. The arrest warrants, for Possession of Marijuana <2oz and Evading Arrest/Detention with Previous Convictions, were from an incident that occurred on February 7, when Sanchez eluded law enforcement during a traffic stop and foot chase.

As deputies were approaching the residence to make contact with Sanchez, a white four-door passenger car pulled up to the residence. Deputies observed Sanchez exit the residence and enter the white vehicle via the passenger's side. Deputies approached the vehicle and ordered the occupants to put their hands on the vehicle's roof.

When Deputies opened the vehicle doors, a strong odor of marijuana could be smelt from inside the vehicle. The driver, who was identified as 22-year-old Robert Jimmy Blanco Jr., was taken into custody, as was Sanchez.

During the vehicle search Deputies located a black and white bag on the center console. Through the opening of the bag, the Deputy observed a green leafy substance, which was compressed into a "brick" form. The "brick", which weighed approximately 3 pounds, was seized as evidence. Deputies also seized over $1 ,300 in U.S. currency and a cell phone.

Deputies on scene notified the Criminal Investigations Division of what they had found during the vehicle search. A team of investigators arrived and the scene was turned over.

After being denied consent to search the home and vehicles located on the property, investigators were able to attain search warrants. The search of the home produced evidence indicating the distribution of illegal substances.

Inside the black Cadillac a strong odor of marijuana was detected and a small amount of a green leafy substance was located in the driver's side cup holder of the center console.

Michael L. Sanche, 28, who lists an address in San Angelo, was arrested on the outstanding arrest warrants and was also charged with Possession of Marijuana >4oz<=5LBLS, a State Jail Felony and three local Class C Misdemeanor warrants.

Robert Jimmy Blanco Jr., 2222, who lists an address in San Angelo, was arrested and charged with Poss. ltem w/Unpaid Control Substance Tax, a Third Degree Felony.

The punishment range for a 3rd Degree Felony is not more than 10 years or less than 2 years, and a fine not to exceed $10,000 The punishment State Jail Felony is not more than two years or less than 180 days, with a fine not to exceed $10,000.