District Attorney Greg Willis has confirmed that Dakota Carroll, a 30-year-old documented member of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas gang in Dallas, has pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance. Carroll's plea came just days before the trial, resulting in a 30-year prison sentence for the first-degree felony, involving more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams of methamphetamine.
Following the sentencing, Willis highlighted Carroll's violent criminal history, stating, "Dakota Carroll is a known violent gangster with an extensive criminal record, including attempts to bribe police officers. This 30-year sentence ensures accountability and protects the citizens of Collin County."
The incident leading to Carroll's arrest unfolded on July 26, 2020, when officers from the Richardson Police Department, patrolling near the Econolodge off North Central Expressway, noticed a vehicle committing multiple traffic violations. Sergeant Benjamin Masters initiated a traffic stop, revealing the driver as Dakota Carroll. Suspecting illicit activities, Masters called for K-9 Officer Cory Wendling and K-9 Falco to conduct a search.
The subsequent K-9 open-air sniff yielded a positive alert. A search of Carroll's vehicle uncovered 58 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, unused distribution baggies, a small amount of cash, and less than 1 gram of heroin. Carroll's attempt to avoid charges by offering a pound of methamphetamine and firearms for his release was unsuccessful, leading to his arrest.
Carroll spent 81 days in jail before posting a $25,000 bond. Further investigation into his background unveiled 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 engaged in a series of crimes in Dallas County, including robbery, a non-fatal shooting, unlawful possession of a firearm, and drug-related offenses.