Texas Prosecutor Faces Drug Charges (AP)

PAMPA, Texas (AP) — The district attorney for five Panhandle counties was arrested while in a courtroom and charged with possession of methamphetamine and cocaine.

Rick Roach, 55, was charged with possessing at least 1 ounce of the drugs with the intent to distribute them and illegally possessing a gun.

Kathy Colvin, a spokeswoman with the U.S. Attorney's Office in Dallas, said the case involves an ongoing criminal investigation, and details related to Roach's arrest remained sealed under court order.

FBI agents arrested Roach at about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Gray County Courthouse. He remained in federal custody Wednesday without bond. During an initial court appearance, Roach denied the charges.

"I'm going to defend this zealously," Roach said.

U.S. Magistrate Nancy M. Koenig warned Roach against defending himself, saying "you need to get an attorney."

Roach, district attorney for Gray, Hemphill, Lipscomb, Roberts and Wheeler counties, was 11 days into his second four-year term. He has been a licensed attorney for 25 years, and was Roberts County attorney for 10 years before being elected district attorney.

If convicted on all charges, Roach could face more than 50 years in prison.