A dozen suspects were apprehended on drug-related charges recently in what authorities termed “Operation Frost Bite,” Halifax County Sheriff Fred S. Clark reported Wednesday.
In a joint effort by the Halifax/South Boston Regional Narcotic & Gang Task Force, the operation started Nov. 10 and continued through last weekend.
Officers seized suspected methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine, in addition to firearms, throughout the operation.
Twelve suspects were arrested on outstanding drug charges and an additional 13 others were arrested on outstanding warrants, Clark said in a news release.
More charges are pending.
Joining the regional task force were members of the Virginia State Police, South Boston Police Department, Halifax Police Department, Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office K-9 units and the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.
Clark commended the collaboration of the agencies involved for what he called “outstanding teamwork in combating illegal drugs throughout Halifax County.”
The Halifax/South Boston Regional Narcotic & Gang Task Force consists of members of the Virginia State Police —with coordinator special agent R.B. George — South Boston Police Department and the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.
“I want to express my appreciation to the Halifax/South Boston Drug and Gang Task Force for their efforts and commitment to combating illegal narcotics in our community,” South Boston Police Chief Bryan Young stated. “Our citizens deserve a place where they can live, work and play without having to worry about the negative effects illegal narcotics may have on their loved ones.”
Clark also expressed appreciation for the emergency 911 center and the Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority.
“I continue to be impressed and humbled by the support of our community and the teamwork of our law enforcement partners,” Young said. “We are all in this fight together.”
There are more arrest warrants on file for suspects involved in the operation who have yet to be located, Clark reported, as the arrest roundup continues.
Drug arrests
Suspects arrested on drug charges include:
- Darryl James Gomes, 49, of South Boston, three counts of distributing a schedule I/II controlled substance
- Kenneth Shotwell, 56, of South Boston, distributing a schedule I/II controlled substance and possession of a firearm while distributing a schedule I/II controlled substance
- Hugh Gordon Richardson III, 40, of Ringgold, two counts of distributing a controlled substance
- Amanda Gail Richardson, 50 of Ringgold, distributing a controlled substance
- Brooke Mask, 24 of South Boston, distributing a schedule I/II controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm while distributing a schedule I/II controlled substance
- Gregory Miller, 59, of Apex, North Carolina, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled substance
- Mel’Quan Burrell, 29, of South Boston, possession of a controlled substance and disorderly conduct
- Jessica Fallen, 30, of South Boston, possession of a controlled substance
- Samantha Howerton Coates, 34, of South Boston, distributing of a schedule I/II controlled substance, distributing of a schedule IV controlled substance, two counts of contempt of court and obstruction of justice.
- Jaurice Rashad Ferrell, 31 of South Boston, distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm while distributing a controlled substance, two counts of possession of a firearm by convicted felon, probation violation, brandishing a firearm, reckless handling of a firearm and fleeing from law enforcement
- Davy Shelton, 37 of Scottsburg, arrested by officials in South Carolina awaiting extradition for three counts of distribute schedule I/II controlled substance and probation violation
- Lora Snead, 29, of Clover, two counts of possession of a controlled substance
Additional arrests
Other suspects arrested include:
- Christopher Stange, 36 of Volens, four counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Ashley Dawn West, 27, of South Boston, probation violation
- Dave Gene Comer, 53, of South Boston, probation violation
- Ricky Carlton Walker, 43, of South Boston, probation violation
- Christopher Alan Loftis, 46, of South Boston, two counts of failure to appear for a felony offense and a pre-trial violation
- Montre’el Claiborne, 19, of South Boston, larceny of a firearm and brandishing a firearm
- James Alexander Hiett, 25, of South Boston, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Krystle Shelton, 35 of South Boston, arrested by officials in South Carolina awaiting extradition on a count of probation violation
- Glenda Green, 38, of South Boston, probation violation
- Shakerra Brinkley, 27, of North Carolina, vandalism, reckless handling of a firearm, and discharge a firearm within town limits
- Melvin Lemar Harris Jr., 33, of Red Oak, felony eluding
- Kade Conner, 31, of South Boston, probation violation
- Raekwon Ferrell, 27, of South Boston, possession of a firearm by felon
