Tech's Houston arrested in connection with marijuana ring

FRESNO, CALIFORNIA - Georgia Tech starting cornerback Reuben Houston was arrested Tuesday in Atlanta in connection with a marijuana distribution operation based in California.<br> <br> According to a criminal complaint filed in Fresno, Houston, 22, conspired to possess and distribute about 100 pounds of marijuana, which has a street value of about $60,000.<br> <br> The drugs were allegedly given to Houston by Oscar Rosales, 39, a Fresno-area business owner, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar, who is prosecuting the case.<br> <br> Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey said Houston was suspended from the team and from school.<br> <br> ``We&#39;re still gathering information, so I cannot comment further at this time,&#39;&#39; Gailey said in a statement released by the athletics department.<br> <br> Spokeswoman Allison George said Gailey was out of town and had not had a chance to talk to Houston.<br> <br> One of Rosales&#39; couriers took the marijuana to Rosales&#39; nephew, Anthony Baltazar, 22, who was in Atlanta, according to the charge. Baltazar then allegedly delivered the load to Houston on the Georgia Tech campus.<br> <br> Houston is a two-year starter with seven career interceptions. He also has 151 career tackles, 14 pass breakups, 11 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.<br> <br> The arrest was the result an investigation by the Fresno Methamphetamine Task Force, which is a combined effort of officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Fresno Police Department, Fresno County Sheriff&#39;s Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.<br> <br> They had been looking into Rosales&#39; alleged drug trafficking organization for about a year. The investigation resulted in the seizure of nearly 600 pounds of marijuana, and the arrests of 15 suspects, including Rosales, Baltazar and Houston.<br> <br> Officials said Rosales had been trafficking drugs across the country for the last 10 years.<br> <br> U.S. District Court Judge Oliver W. Wanger has ordered Rosales to be detained while he waits for trial. Baltazar will also remain detained until trial.