Last week, a routine traffic stop conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office night shift patrol led to a significant narcotics investigation.
The investigation occurred on Mill Gate Road, after officers initiated a stop on a passenger vehicle for a traffic violation.
Occupied by driver Justin Martin, 36, of Cleveland, and passenger Holli Pederson, 27, of Livingston, the vehicle was searched after officers detected the odor of burnt marijuana emanating from inside.
During the search, law enforcement discovered that Martin was in possession of 11 grams of methamphetamine, while Pederson was found in possession of 1-4 grams of methamphetamine. Both individuals were also found to be in possession of marijuana.
Following the discovery, the narcotics division was contacted, and the information provided by the vehicle’s occupants led to the application for a search warrant. The warrant was issued for the residence of Kenneth Ray Lockhart Jr., 60, of Livingston, and Lou Ann Hudson, 63, of Livingston.
In the early morning hours of that Wednesday, the narcotics division, with the assistance of the patrol division and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, executed the search warrant at the residence. During the search, officers uncovered a large quantity of methamphetamine, items typically used to package and weigh narcotics for distribution, and additional cocaine.
Lockhart Jr. was arrested and charged with manufacture/delivery of methamphetamine 4-200 grams, as well as possession of cocaine.
While conducting the search, law enforcement encountered Calvin Sweeten, 39, of Livingston, and Jeanie Cain, 33, of Livingston, leaving the residence. Upon further investigation, Sweeten was found in possession of methamphetamine 4-200 grams, and Cain had less than a gram of methamphetamine.
Both Sweeten and Cain were also found to have left three juvenile children unattended at their own residence. When detectives and deputies arrived at the residence to check the welfare of the juveniles, they found all three juveniles asleep on a mattress on the floor. The residence was being powered by a long extension cord, ran from the neighboring house where the search warrant had taken place, which had a space heater plugged up and running.
In addition to their narcotics charges, Sweeten and Cain were each charged with three counts of abandoning/endangering a child. Child Protective Services was notified, and the three juveniles were placed in their custody.
Lou Ann Hudson is also expected to be arrested upon the issuance of warrants for her involvement in the incident.
In a statement, the sheriff’s office said this case highlights the critical role of proactive patrols in addressing public safety concerns. They said actions of the night shift patrol not only led to the removal of dangerous narcotics from the community, but also prevented further harm to vulnerable children. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said they remain committed to protecting citizens through diligent, community-focused patrols and investigations.
