By: Jessica Shorten
NEW CANEY, TX – A Montgomery County District Court convicted and sentenced 40 year-old Dewayne Lee Waldrup for felony Possession of a Controlled Substance after catching him taking part in a bank jugging operation at Chase Bank in New Caney.
Waldrup was arrested on October 25, 2019 during an operation by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office to target a string of bank jugging reports in New Caney. Bank Jugging is when criminals watch individuals entering and leaving banks with seemingly cash withdraws. Bank juggers will then follow the consumer until they find an opportunity to take the money off the person or from the vehicle.
Waldrup and his partner, David Jerome Thomas, were spotted by officers during the sting operation just before 2:00 p.m. . Driving a 2019 black Ford Explorer, Waldrup and Thomas began following a civilian who exited the Chase Bank for several miles before giving up and returning to the bank and attempting to follow a second possible victim. The second attempt was also unsuccessful and the pair returned to the same Chase Bank.
Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office then set up an undercover detective to leave the bank with what appeared to be a thick envelope of cash. Waldrup and Thomas followed the bait vehicle to a nearby parking lot and waiting until the undercover detective walked inside the store. As the pair were about to break into the bait vehicle, officers converged and arrested both. In a search of the Explorer, Deputies found gloves, window punches, and handheld radios. On the floor of the vehicle, Deputies recovered a large amount of powder and crack cocaine.
Assistant District Attorney Taylor Vanegas, who prosecuted the case, stated, “The jury saw Dewayne Waldrup for who he really is. Their verdict and sentence reflect the type of life Waldrup lived and the real-world damage he has caused in the lives of so many community members. This jury has sent a loud and clear message to anyone who thinks of committing these types of predatory crimes in Montgomery County.”
Waldrup has previously been convicted for Possession of a Firearm by Felon, Evading Arrest, and several drug and assault charges. Due to the extensive criminal history, Waldrup was classified as a “habitual offender” and sentenced to 50 years in prison.
Bank jugging has been a growing issue in the past year, and citizens are asked to be extra aware of their surroundings. District Attorney Brett Ligon commented, “Bank Jugging continues to be a genuine and serious issue in the greater Houston area. Citizens should always remain aware of their surroundings when entering and leaving financial institutions and should contact law enforcement immediately if they feel they are being targeted or followed.