POLK COUNTY, Texas – A series of coordinated operations by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) has led to multiple arrests and the recovery of methamphetamine, stolen property, and mail stolen from local residences. The operation followed investigations into several burglary and theft incidents and highlights the ongoing work of local law enforcement to combat criminal activity in the area.
The investigation began on September 19, 2025, when deputies executed a search warrant at the residence of Kalen Cox. Officers recovered methamphetamine and stolen items linked to multiple local theft and burglary cases. Following this discovery, arrest warrants were issued for Cox and Matthew Lester. Cox was apprehended on September 28 after deputies received a tip on her location. At the time of her arrest, she was found in possession of additional methamphetamine and charged accordingly.
Detectives have linked Cox and Lester to at least eight burglary and theft incidents, and their investigation led to a location containing additional stolen property.
The operation expanded on September 30, 2025, when PCSO’s Criminal Investigation Division, the Narcotics Division, and the Texas Department of Public Safety executed a second search warrant at a residence on Pine Valley Drive. Narcotics detectives observed methamphetamine and paraphernalia in plain view, prompting a secondary search warrant focused specifically on narcotics. This search recovered over 80 grams of methamphetamine in common areas, with additional methamphetamine found in a bedroom belonging to Storme Tiner (70), who was charged with Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Penalty Group 1) in an amount greater than 4 grams but less than 200 grams.
At the time of the Pine Valley Drive search, twelve individuals were present. All twelve were arrested and charged with Possession or Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance PG1 >4g<200g. Several of those arrested also had active warrants for prior offenses, including parole violations, traffic offenses, and narcotics charges.
The individuals charged include:
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Matthew Lester (36) – Possession of a controlled substance, additional possession charge
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Kalen Cox (age not specified) – Possession of methamphetamine
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Katherine Bratton (46) – Possession of a controlled substance
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Robert Stepp (47) – Arrested on parole warrant, charged with possession
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Camron Johnson (22) – Possession
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Robert Pierce (46) – Possession
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James Frazier (60) – Possession
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Steven Obannon (43) – Arrested on Class C warrant, charged with possession
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Jeffery Price (44) – Possession
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Peggy Ramirez (29) – Possession
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Jacob Rector (33) – Possession
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Robyn Bruner (29) – Possession
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Storme Tiner (70) – Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance PG1 >4g<200g
Law enforcement also recovered stolen mail and identifying information believed to be taken from local residences. PCSO is working to return recovered items, including motorcycles, generators, and other property, to their rightful owners.
Sheriff Byron Lyons and Chief Anthony Lowrie emphasized the importance of documenting serial numbers and vehicle identification numbers (VINs) for personal property, which helps law enforcement confirm and return stolen items.
PCSO continues to investigate these incidents, and additional charges are expected as detectives follow leads related to burglary, theft, and narcotics activity in the county.
