Trio Caught with 54 lbs of Pot Withdraw Guilty Pleas Accusing Prosecutors of Suppressing Evidence

SAN ANGELO, TX -- District Judge Ben Woodward abruptly adjourned a plea hearing Thursday for three defendants accused of possessing 54 lbs of marijuana across the street from a San Angelo elementary school. 

ZZYZX Anglin Jr. and two others, identified as ZZYZX B. Anglin, Sr., 46, and Shelda Anglin, 42, were detained during a search which yielded the discovery and seizure of approximately fifty-four (54) pounds of Hydroponic Marijuana, approximately $7,500 in US Currency, and packaging consistent with narcotics distribution.  Fifty-four pounds of Hydroponic Marijuana has a street value of approximately $360,000 in US Currency.  The search was conducted at a residence across the street from Lamar Elementary school in May 2018. 

The three had signed plea agreements and the hearing to accept their guilty pleas was set for 1:30 p.m. Thursday.  Defense attorney Tip Hargrove said in open court that new evidence had come to light after the Anglins' had signed the plea bargain that blew the case up.  The defense team was prepared to allege that prosecutors had withheld evidence.  

Judge Woodward called the plea hearings to order.  Hargrove told the judge they weren't going to plea because of the new evidence.  Anglin Sr.'s attorney Donald Flanary told judge Woodward they needed to have an evidentiary hearing.  Judge Woodward told the attorneys he was prepared to hear pleas and not ready to hold any other type of hearing and that defense attorneys hadn't filed a motion for a new type of hearing.  "If you have so much contempt for the court's time, then you can file a motion for a new hearing.  We are adjourned."  Then the judge left the courtroom.  

Court documents indicate Anglin Jr. was going to plead guilty to felony marijuana possession in exchange for ten years deferred adjudication probation, a $2,500 fine and the dismissal of a criminal mischief charge.  Anglin Sr. and Shelda Anglin had signed court documents indicating they would plead guilty in exchange for five years deferred adjudication and a $5,000 fine each.  

Defense attorneys are expected to file a motion for a new hearing.