Court records state that Bay City Police Department (BCPD) officers were aware that Damien Renwick Jones (47) was distributing drugs in Matagorda County during 2022.
When he was seen in Bay City on November 17, 2022, officers were aware that a warrant for Jones was outstanding and took him into custody near the Maverick Grocery Store on Avenue F in Bay City.
During trial testimony, BCPD officer Jerome Estrada and investigator Joe Bruno described the physical altercation required to subdue Jones.
After Jones was taken into custody, officers conducted a search of the area where Jones had been initially stopped walking immediately before being told to stop by officers.
A container of methamphetamine was found, according to the officers. The substance was confirmed to be illicit drugs according to testimony by Harry Ehman, a drug analysis expert from the DPS crime lab in Houston.
Assistant District Attorney Todd Oncken successfully argued that, although the drugs were not found on Jones’ person, the evidence clearly indicated he had been in possession prior to stopping and struggling with officers.
Appointed defense attorney Marc Nolan could not dissuade the jury of that opinion and Jones was found guilty of possession with intent to deliver the methamphetamine.
After the guilty verdict, the jury learned that Jones had been previously convicted of two separate felony offenses – retaliation and drug possession.
The jury sentenced Jones to 75 years in prison.
The case was tried in Judge Denise Fortenberry’s 130th District Court.
For additional information, see Cause #23-130-274; State of Texas vs. Damien Renwick Jones in the District Clerk’s Office.
