FROM STAFF REPORTS
A multi-agency narcotics investigation that began with a single undercover drug buy culminated in the arrests of 11 suspects on felony drug charges by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrests on Thursday.
“This will have an immediate and long-lasting effect on the drug trade in Iredell County and surrounding areas,” Campbell said in a news release. “This is a testament to the hard work of our detectives and the relationship with other agencies. We will continue to send a message that Iredell County is not a safe or profitable place to sell drugs because we will continue to target these individuals.”
During this investigation, law enforcement personnel seized approximately 1,899 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 6.620 grams of cocaine with an estimated combined street value of $95,500, along with an additional $1,919 in cash, the sheriff said. Deputies also seized two vehicles and a small amount of marijuana, he added.
ICSO narcotics investigators, members of the ICSO Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Team and special agents with the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation began an investigation into the distribution of crystal methamphetamine in the City of Statesville and other parts of Iredell County, Campbell said.
The investigation began when ICSO investigators and SBI agents purchases crystal methamphetamine and cocaine from William T. Miller, 53, of East Raleigh Avenue, Statesville, according to the ICSO news release.
During the ensuing six months, investigators and agents purchased approximately 1,600 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 3.760 grams of cocaine directly from Miller, Campbell said.
As a result of these purchases, investigators learned that other individuals throughout Iredell County who were visiting Miller to obtain controlled substances.
Based on this information, investigators utilized a variety of surveillance techniques to identify these individuals. These suspects were contacted after they left Miller’s residence. If they were found to be in possession of illegal substances, they were taken into custody, Campbell said.
Investigators determined that Devin D’Andrae Allen Tomlin, 29, of Statesville was providing Miller with the crystal methamphetamine that he was distributing, according to the news release.
Suspects
The following individuals face charges as a result of this investigation:
♦ William T. Miller, 53, of East Raleigh Avenue, Statesville, was arrested on November 9, after a search warrant was executed at his residence. He was charged with three counts of Level 1 Trafficking by Possession, three counts of Level 1 Trafficking by Sell, six counts of Level 2 Trafficking by Possession, six counts of Level 2 Trafficking by Sell, and Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Cocaine, and Sell or Deliver Cocaine. He was placed into the Iredell County Detention Center under a $6.5 million secured bond.
♦ Devin D’Andrae Allen Tomlin, 29, of Stokes Street, Statesville, was also charged and arrested with Conspiracy to Traffic Crystal Methamphetamine, Trafficking by Possession, Trafficking by Transport, and Possession of a Controlled Substance within 1000 Feet of a School. He received a $3 million secured bond.
♦ Javon Donte Sherrill, 42, of Douglas Street, Statesville, was charged with Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Crystal Methamphetamine, Maintaining a Residence for a Controlled Substance, and Conspiracy to Distribute Crystal Methamphetamine.
♦ Gerri Campbell Martin, 37, of Kennington Lane, Statesville, was charged with Trafficking by Possession or Transport, and Conspiracy to Traffic Crystal Methamphetamine and placed into the Iredell County Detention Center under a $300,000 secured bond.
♦ Jimmy Wayne Martin, 37, of Kennington Lane, Statesville, was charged with Trafficking by Possession or Transport and Conspiracy to Traffic Crystal Methamphetamine and placed into the Iredell County Detention Center under a $140,000 secured bond.
♦ Traci L. Call, 33, of Lakeview Drive, Statesville, was charged with Felony Possession of Crystal Methamphetamine and Conspiracy to Distribute Crystal Methamphetamine. She is currently in custody of the N.C. Department of Adult Corrections for a probation violation.
♦ Timmy Ray Sharpe, 52, of Hobbs Lane, Mooresville, was charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Crystal Methamphetamine, Trafficking by Possession or Transport, Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Methamphetamine, Felony Possession of Cocaine, Felony Maintaining a Vehicle for the Use of a Controlled Substance, Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor Simple Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance and Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia. He received a $30,000 secured bond.
♦ Danielle Nicole Allen, 26, of Hobbs Lane, Mooresville, was charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Crystal Methamphetamine, Trafficking by Possession or Transport, Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell/, or Methamphetamine, Felony Possession of Cocaine, Felony Maintaining a Vehicle for the Use of a Controlled Substance, Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor Simple Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance and Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia. She received a $30,000 secured bond.
♦ Lauren Rowland, 32, of Doubletree Drive, Statesville, was charged with Felony Possession of Crystal Methamphetamine and Conspiracy to Distribute Crystal Methamphetamine and received a $15,000 secured bond.
♦ Amber Walker Perry, 37, of Kelly Street, Statesville, was charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Crystal Methamphetamine, Trafficking by Possession or Transport and Maintaining a Vehicle for Distributing a Controlled Substance. She received a $450,000 secured bond.
♦ Lisa Cheri Whitaker, 39, of Friendship Road, Statesville, was charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Crystal Methamphetamine, Felony Possession of Crystal Methamphetamine and Maintaining a Vehicle for Distributing a Controlled Substance. She received a $20,000 secured bond.