In a recent development, District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Dakota Carroll, a documented member of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas gang, has pleaded guilty to charges of Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance. Carroll, 30, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the first-degree felony, involving more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams of methamphetamine.
Willis, addressing the media after the sentencing, emphasized Carroll's violent history and criminal activities. "Dakota Carroll is a known violent gangster with extensive criminal history who’s willing to try to bribe police officers. This 30-year sentence holds him accountable and keeps him away from Collin County citizens," Willis stated.
The incident leading to Carroll's arrest occurred on July 26, 2020, when Richardson Police Department officers, patrolling near the Econolodge off North Central Expressway, observed a vehicle committing multiple traffic violations. Sergeant Benjamin Masters initiated a traffic stop, identifying the driver as Dakota Carroll. During the encounter, Masters, suspecting illicit activities, called for K-9 Officer Cory Wendling and K-9 Falco to conduct a search.
The subsequent open air sniff by the K-9 unit led to a positive alert. A search of Carroll's vehicle revealed 58 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, unused baggies for distribution, a small amount of cash, and less than 1 gram of heroin. Carroll attempted to evade charges by offering to procure a pound of methamphetamine and firearms in exchange for his release, but law enforcement thwarted his plan.
Carroll spent 81 days in jail before posting a $25,000 bond. A comprehensive investigation into his background exposed a troubling criminal history, including a prior prison term in 2015 for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Dallas County. After bonding out on the Collin County charge, Carroll committed a series of crimes in Dallas County, including robbery, non-fatal shooting, unlawful possession of a firearm, and drug-related offenses.
Sergeant Benjamin Masters led the investigation, with support from K-9 Officer Cory Wendling and Officer Billy Minnix. Judge Ben Smith presided over the case, handing down the 30-year sentence. Assistant Criminal District Attorney Christina Skipper prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Laurie Gibbs.