The Henry County Sheriff’s Office executed a narcotics related search warrant at a residence located at 381 Out-A-Way Dr., Bassett, on February 20, at 11:45 a.m. This operation was the result of an ongoing investigation conducted jointly by the Sheriff’s Office Vice Unit and Drug Interdiction Unit.
The investigation originated from information received from members of the community regarding suspected illegal drug activity at the residence. During the investigation, one individual was taken into custody following a traffic stop conducted by the Narcotics Interdiction Unit. During the stop, K-9 Axel conducted a free sniff of the vehicle that led deputies to the suspected crack cocaine, U.S. currency, and firearms in the vehicle.
The individual taken into custody was identified as Claude Donnell Woods, 67, a convicted felon who lives at the residence where the search warrant was executed.
While deputies were executing the search warrant at the residence, a second individual allegedly barricaded himself inside a structure on the property. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team responded and deployed chemical munitions, which resulted in the individual exiting the structure peacefully. He was taken into custody without further incident and identified as Verlon Reno Hall, 47. While investigators were on the property conducting the search, Leroy Ellis, 57, arrived at the residence to visit. During the encounter, investigators determined that Ellis was wanted by the Martinsville Police Department. Ellis was subsequently taken into custody without incident.
Investigators also allegedly located additional evidence at the residence consistent with the distribution of illegal narcotics.
Woods is being held with no bond in the Henry County Adult Detention Center on charges of possession with the intent to sell schedule I or II drugs (cocaine), possession with the intent to sell schedule I or II drugs (methamphetamine), possession of schedule I/II drug with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Hall also was held with no bond on charges of resisting arrest/obstructing justice, falsely identifying self to law enforcement, three counts of probation violation – all in Franklin County.
Ellis was given a $1,000 secured bond on City Of Martinsville charges that in- clude assault on law enforcement officer, obstruction of justice, trespassing and drunk in public.
Items seized include an estimated 13 ounces of crack cocaine, approximately five ounces of methamphetamine, Digital scales commonly used in the distribution of narcotics, eight firearms, three motor vehicles and 3 ATVs, one utility trailer and power tools and equipment.
The investigation is ongoing, and more charges are possible pending further review of the evidence. More information regarding charges will be released as it becomes available. Sheriff Wayne Davis said, “Illegal drugs continue to destroy lives, families, and neighborhoods. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office will remain relentless in pursuing those who distribute narcotics in our community. We appreciate the citizens who come forward with information and help us build strong cases that hold offenders accountable.”
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to aggressively addressing illegal drug activity within our community. These investigations require time, coordination, and community cooperation to ensure successful prosecution. This investigation is ongoing, anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact 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 a crime. The nature of the crime and the substance of the information determine the amount of reward paid.
