Tyler Man Sentenced to Life in Prison After Selling Drugs to an Undercover Officer and Assaulting a Deputy

Supporting local law enforcement is something that I have the privilege of doing as the 114th District Court Judge. In May of 2022, the East Texas Anti-Gang Center conducted an operation with the help of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Tyler Police Department, and the Department of Public Safety. Ernesto Castellon was caught selling automatic weapons and narcotics to an undercover officer in this operation. Castellon attempted to evade arrest and injured a Smith County SWAT Team member as he fled the scene. I commend everyone involved in this operation for getting dangerous drugs and weapons off the streets and keeping the community safe.

The defendant came to the 114th District Court with eight different charges, including evading arrest with a vehicle, aggravated assault of a public servant, theft of a firearm, manufacture or delivery of a penalty group 1A controlled substance between 80 and 40,000 abuse units, manufacture or delivery of a penalty group 1 controlled substance between four and 200 grams and manufacture or delivery of a penalty group 2 controlled substance between four and 400 grams. Ernesto Castellon received life in prison for his crimes.

I commend everyone involved in this operation for getting dangerous drugs and weapons off the streets and keeping the community safe. I will continue to support local law enforcement as Judge and support them as they conduct their civic duty. 

Related media links: 18-year-old receives four life sentences for injuring SWAT officer in Smith County Judge gives East Texas man four life sentences Tyler man sentenced to life after selling drugs to undercover officer, assaulting deputy