KCSO Makes Drug, Smuggling Arrest

On 8 February, 2023 the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division Interdiction Unit conducted a narcotics and human smuggling investigation in Kerrville. A KCSO Deputy made contact with a suspicious vehicle near Mountain Home, and pursued the vehicle after additional actions by the driver were consistent with a human smuggling event.

Deputies pursued the sedan as it merged onto Interstate 10, reaching speeds over 110mph. The pursuit continued for approximately 15 miles until the sedan left the roadway near Kerrville. The driver attempted to evade arrest on foot, but was caught and placed under arrest by a KCSO Deputy. The driver was identified as David Jarrett Klaiber, 33, of Beeville, Texas.

Also in the vehicle were two undocumented immigrants. Both were detained pending transport and release to US Border Patrol.

In addition to human cargo, Mr. Klaiber was also transporting 1.4 ounces of marijuana, 13.8 grams of methamphetamine, as well as drug paraphernalia. At the conclusion of the investigation, Mr. Klaiber was placed under arrest for Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Penalty Group 1 >=4g <200 g, Evading in a Motor Vehicle, and two counts of Smuggling of Persons. Bonds for these offenses total $130,000. Mr. Klaiber was also found to have additional actions pending for Burglary, Theft of a Firearm, and Possession of a Controlled Substance from Live Oak and Bee Counties. As in all criminal cases, charges may be added or modified prior to trial, and all suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

“Our interdiction team does a great job, not just for Kerr County, but for everywhere in Texas affected by this criminal activity,” said Sheriff Larry Leitha. “This case highlights the integration of activities shared between human smugglers and the drug trade. Despite the extreme threat to public safety this individual posed, everyone was able to leave this event safely. That’s not always the case and we urge the public to stay aware of their surroundings on the highway.”

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