MIDLAND LAW FIRM'S STAFF AT CENTER OF DRUG INQUIRY

MIDLAND (AP) -- Former and current employees at a Midland law firm are being
accused of operating an illegal drug ring, according to federal court
records unsealed last week.

Past and present members of the Herrera Law Firm and several Herrera family
members, including the firm's principal partner, Jesse Herrera, were part of
a two-year investigation by federal drug authorities.

A Thursday drug roundup that included Midland, Odessa and other cities in
Texas and New Mexico, involved 31 warrants for suspects and the arrest of
23.

Among those arrested were Octavio Herrera, 37, of Ruidoso, N.M., who is
Jesse's brother; Sandra Herrera of Midland, who once worked for the firm and
is Jesse's sister; and Aaron Herrera, 37, a cousin of Jesse.

Jesse Herrera hasn't been charged with any offense.

Portions of the affidavits were unsealed after 13 of the suspects appeared
before federal Magistrate Judge L. Stuart Platt on Friday.

Eight suspects were still being sought by the authorities.

The records showed that law enforcement officials made extensive use of
undercover sources and watched the homes and businesses of the suspects, the
Midland Reporter- Telegram reported. Authorities also wiretapped telephone
calls and seized telephone, financial and travel records.