Splendora Traffic Stop Leads to 40-Year Drug Sentence

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX -- A repeat drug trafficker with a long history of selling prescription narcotics has been sentenced to 40 years in prison following his conviction in the 435th District Court before Judge Patty Maginnis.

Reginald Tennarse, 48, was convicted on November 4, 2025, of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver after a two-day trial prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Erin Delano and Misdemeanor Deputy Chief Jared Kennedy.

The case began when Officer Michael Maynard with the Splendora Police Department conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 59, a known corridor for narcotics trafficking. During the stop, Officer Jesse Slaughter deployed K9 Jim, who alerted to the odor of narcotics. A search of the vehicle revealed two vacuum-sealed bags containing more than 250 hydrocodone pills hidden under the dashboard behind the radio.

Testimony at trial revealed that Tennarse had devised a plan for his wife to take the blame if he was caught. She testified, claiming the pills were her prescription medication. Investigators, however, established that no physician would prescribe such a large quantity of hydrocodone and that Tennarse’s criminal history showed a repeated pattern of trafficking. He had previously served two prison sentences for dealing hydrocodone and was on probation out of Louisiana for distributing fentanyl. At the time of this offense, he was still on parole for a 15-year prison sentence from Liberty County.

The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office is grateful to the Splendora Police Department for their exceptional work in this case and to all law enforcement agencies across Montgomery County for their unwavering dedication to protecting our citizens. This successful prosecution reflects the strength of our ongoing partnership with law enforcement throughout the county, all working together to disrupt the flow of dangerous drugs and keep our communities safe.

Assistant District Attorney Erin Delano: “This defendant made a career out of selling drugs. He’s had multiple chances, yet he’s continued to reoffend, and this conviction ensures he can no longer exploit addiction for profit.”

District Attorney Michael Holley: “This case underscores the incredible work being done by our local law enforcement officers who remain vigilant in identifying and intercepting dangerous drugs before they reach our communities, and we will continue to pursue lengthy sentences for offenders who repeatedly choose to profit from addiction and destroy lives for personal gain.”