FWPD Memo on TCU Drug Raid Raises Questions

Lawyer questions seizures during Feb. 15 drug raid

An internal Fort Worth police memo on the undercover drug investigation at Texas Christian University is raising new questions.

According to an "after action" report written five days after the Feb. 15 raid, 10 more arrests are on the way. Police would not say if those arrests would involve students.

The memo lists 21 people who had warrants. Fort Worth police would not comment on two of the names listed -- 20-year-old Alex Hofmann and 20-year-old William Hoffman.

TCU confirms both were former students.

Joe Wells, who represents Austin Michael Carpenter, a former TCU student, said he never received an arrest warrant. Carpenter is listed as being wanted in connection with the investigation.

The police memo also outlines what was seized during the early-morning raid, including weapons, cash, marijuana, prescription pills, cocaine, methamphetamine and vehicles.

Jim Shaw, an attorney who represents three of those arrested, said he questions the legality of the seizures because there were no search warrants.

"I don't think they had right to take them," he said. "No one gave them consent."

Shaw represents former TCU students Taylor Cowdin, Cynthia Zambrano and Eduardo Hernandez

Cowdin withdrew from TCU on Thursday. Shaw said his client withdrew right before a scheduled school hearing. He said it was a better option than the possible alternative -- expulsion.

"His mother was present, dad was present," he said. "There was a lot of anguish. He really just made decision this morning."

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