A months-long investigation into the illegal possession, manufacturing, and distribution of narcotics culminated on Tuesday, April 30, with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) executing search warrants at 66 Valentine Ct, Martinsville, 134 Preston-Scales Dr., Martinsville, and 439 Ziglar Road, Martinsville.
During this investigation, more than 1.5 pounds of suspected fentanyl, approximately a quarter pound of suspected cocaine, and a quantity of methamphetamine and marijuana were seized. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration reports that two milligrams of fentanyl can potentially be a lethal dose; this seizure contains thousands of lethal doses that won’t make it to the streets of Henry County.
In addition, six illegally possessed firearms, three vehicles, and an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency, along with equipment used to aid in the distribution of illegal narcotics, such as digital scales and packaging materials, were seized.
So far, as a result of this investigation, three were arrested:
- Donte Cheron Freeman, also known as (aka) Leonard Cheron Freeman, 42, 2118 The Great Road, Fieldale, is currently held in the Henry County Adult Detention Center on no bond on one count of possession of Schedule I or II drug with the intent to distribute, 3rd offense (Cocaine).
- Pindarius Verdonte Simmons, 24, 2363 Willie Craig Road, Bassett, is currently held in the Henry County Adult Detention Center on no bond on one count each possession of Schedule I or II drug with the intent to distribute (Fentanyl); possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm while in possession of a scheduled I/II substance.
- Johnny Alphonso Harley, 51, 134 Preston Scales Road., Martinsville, is currently held in the Henry County Adult Detention Center on no bond on one count each possession of Schedule I or II drug with the intent to distribute, (Fentanyl & Cocaine); possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm while in possession of a scheduled I/II substance.
The drug operation has dealt a blow to the drug trade in Henry County, and we intend to send a clear message that such illegal activities will not be tolerated in our community, Sheriff Wayne Davis said in a release.
This investigation is ongoing, and if anyone has any information related to this investigation or narcotics trafficking, you are encouraged to call the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (276) 638-8751 or Crimestoppers at 63-CRIME (632-7463).
The Crimestoppers Program offers rewards of up to $2,500 for information related to crime. The nature of the crime and the substance of the information determine the amount of reward paid. Crimestoppers is an anonymous tip line that helps local law enforcement agencies by soliciting tips from individuals and forwarding that information to the particular agency.
