Alberto Espinoza Barron was arrested in the Pacific coast state of Michoacan on Monday.

The Defense Department says Alberto Espinoza Barron was arrested in the Pacific coast state of Michoacan on Monday.Mexican soldiers have captured an alleged high-ranking member of a drug gang known as "The Family."A Defense statement alleges he was in charge of U.S.-bound cocaine shipments arriving at the state's Lazaro Cardenas port from South America.He is also accused of bribing police, extorting businesses and ordering kidnappings and killings.Mexico's Attorney General's office was interrogating him Wednesday.Drug-related murders have nearly doubled this year to 5,300, federal officials say, despite a government crackdown on organized crime.

Alberto Espinoza Barron was arrested in the Pacific coast state of Michoacan on Monday.

The Defense Department says Alberto Espinoza Barron was arrested in the Pacific coast state of Michoacan on Monday.Mexican soldiers have captured an alleged high-ranking member of a drug gang known as "The Family."A Defense statement alleges he was in charge of U.S.-bound cocaine shipments arriving at the state's Lazaro Cardenas port from South America.He is also accused of bribing police, extorting businesses and ordering kidnappings and killings.Mexico's Attorney General's office was interrogating him Wednesday.Drug-related murders have nearly doubled this year to 5,300, federal officials say, despite a government crackdown on organized crime.

Daniel Russel Cook Mackenzie,Catrina Ann Luke,jointly charged with conspiracy to supply the class A drug heroin

Daniel Russel Cook Mackenzie, aged 37, of 11 College Park, Neyland; 24-year-old Catrina Ann Luke, of Blaen Cwm, Little Newcastle; David John Freelove, aged 39, of flat 2, 18-20 Hill Street, Haverfordwest and 32-year-old Ian Stuart Wilkins of 2 Curlew Close, Haverfordwest, are listed to appear in front of Judge Gerald Price QC.jointly charged with conspiracy to supply the class A drug heroin, are due to appear at Swansea crown court today (Monday). The four first appeared in front of Haverfordwest magistrates on Thursday 18th December, none were asked to enter a plea and all were released on bail. Because of the seriousness of the charge the case was committed to Swansea crown court.

Daniel Russel Cook Mackenzie,Catrina Ann Luke,jointly charged with conspiracy to supply the class A drug heroin

Daniel Russel Cook Mackenzie, aged 37, of 11 College Park, Neyland; 24-year-old Catrina Ann Luke, of Blaen Cwm, Little Newcastle; David John Freelove, aged 39, of flat 2, 18-20 Hill Street, Haverfordwest and 32-year-old Ian Stuart Wilkins of 2 Curlew Close, Haverfordwest, are listed to appear in front of Judge Gerald Price QC.jointly charged with conspiracy to supply the class A drug heroin, are due to appear at Swansea crown court today (Monday). The four first appeared in front of Haverfordwest magistrates on Thursday 18th December, none were asked to enter a plea and all were released on bail. Because of the seriousness of the charge the case was committed to Swansea crown court.

Randall Dunn Jr., was charged with felony possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession with intent

Randall Dunn Jr., 24, of the 100 block of Yarbro Road in Kings Mountain, was stopped after leaving a home on the 600 block of Scruggs Street in Gastonia Friday night. A magistrate's order and affidavit state that Gastonia Police Officer M.S. Willis asked him to take his hands out of his pockets and asked Dunn if he could pat him down.Dunn gave the officer permission to search him, the affidavit states. Willis allegedly found a set of digital scales, a glass pipe and a marijuana pipe. The scales had white residue which tested positive for cocaine, according to the affidavit.Willis arrested Dunn and placed him in his patrol car. He returned to the spot where Dunn was standing and found two large rocks of crack cocaine weighing a total of six grams, the affidavit states.Dunn was charged with felony possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine. He was booked in the Gaston County Jail under a $30,000 secured bond.

Randall Dunn Jr., was charged with felony possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession with intent

Randall Dunn Jr., 24, of the 100 block of Yarbro Road in Kings Mountain, was stopped after leaving a home on the 600 block of Scruggs Street in Gastonia Friday night. A magistrate's order and affidavit state that Gastonia Police Officer M.S. Willis asked him to take his hands out of his pockets and asked Dunn if he could pat him down.Dunn gave the officer permission to search him, the affidavit states. Willis allegedly found a set of digital scales, a glass pipe and a marijuana pipe. The scales had white residue which tested positive for cocaine, according to the affidavit.Willis arrested Dunn and placed him in his patrol car. He returned to the spot where Dunn was standing and found two large rocks of crack cocaine weighing a total of six grams, the affidavit states.Dunn was charged with felony possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine. He was booked in the Gaston County Jail under a $30,000 secured bond.

Dustin A. Brahmer,was arrested for possessing 3.5 grams of cocaine.

Dustin A. Brahmer, 19, was arrested in a parking lot Thursday at 12:45 a.m. near the 300 block of Cottage Grove Road for possessing 3.5 grams of cocaine.An officer conducted surveillance of a parked vehicle in a remote parking lot that had several occupants. The officer witnessed behaviors consistent with drug activity, and when the driver of the vehicle left the parking lot, the officer stopped the vehicle a short time later for running a red light and speeding.Brahmer told the officer he had been visiting his mother's house and "didn't stop anywhere else," but prior to the arrest, the officer had seen the vehicle -- a 1999 Honda -- leave a bar Wednesday night.Brahmer was arrested for the possession charge, but told police he bought the cocaine for a friend.

Dustin A. Brahmer,was arrested for possessing 3.5 grams of cocaine.

Dustin A. Brahmer, 19, was arrested in a parking lot Thursday at 12:45 a.m. near the 300 block of Cottage Grove Road for possessing 3.5 grams of cocaine.An officer conducted surveillance of a parked vehicle in a remote parking lot that had several occupants. The officer witnessed behaviors consistent with drug activity, and when the driver of the vehicle left the parking lot, the officer stopped the vehicle a short time later for running a red light and speeding.Brahmer told the officer he had been visiting his mother's house and "didn't stop anywhere else," but prior to the arrest, the officer had seen the vehicle -- a 1999 Honda -- leave a bar Wednesday night.Brahmer was arrested for the possession charge, but told police he bought the cocaine for a friend.

Drug Task Force searched ahome at 321 Squire Pope Road on Hilton Head Island following a several week investigation

Drug Task Force searched ahome at 321 Squire Pope Road on Hilton Head Island following a several week investigation involving Henry White, also known as “Hersey.” Officers searched the property and seized about 30 grams of crack cocaine.Other people were also found to have drugs on them and several had outstanding warrants, the sheriff’s office said. DTF members seized more than $2,150, 61 tablets of a controlled drug, five grams of cocaine, and six grams of marijuana, a .357 Taurus handgun and 30 grams of crack cocaine.
Those charged from the two-day operation included:

Henry White, 63, of 321 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island, was charged with trafficking crack cocaine, four counts of sale and distribution of crack cocaine, possession of a firearm during the commission of aviolent crime, possession with intent to distribute methadone. William Stewart, 46, of 180 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head, was charged with possession of cocaine and simple possession of marijuana. Jeffrey Mitchell, 48, of 12 Goethe Road, Bluffton, was charged with violating the open container law and was served an outstanding bench warrant. Michelle Lee Smith, 27, of 12 Bush Lane, Bluffton, was charged with violating the open container law and was served two outstanding bench warrants. Morris Fitzgerald Stewart, 25, of 8A Bridge Point Apartments, Bluffton, was charged with simple possession of marijuana and giving false information to a police officer. • Jesse Clarence Jackson, 52, of 112 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head, was served a municipal bench warrant.
Kenneth Wing, 50, of 1803 Morris St., Beaufort, was charged with three counts of the sale and distribution of cocaine, three counts of the sale and distribution of Cocaine within ahalf mile of a school, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine within a half mile of a school and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Drug Task Force searched ahome at 321 Squire Pope Road on Hilton Head Island following a several week investigation

Drug Task Force searched ahome at 321 Squire Pope Road on Hilton Head Island following a several week investigation involving Henry White, also known as “Hersey.” Officers searched the property and seized about 30 grams of crack cocaine.Other people were also found to have drugs on them and several had outstanding warrants, the sheriff’s office said. DTF members seized more than $2,150, 61 tablets of a controlled drug, five grams of cocaine, and six grams of marijuana, a .357 Taurus handgun and 30 grams of crack cocaine.
Those charged from the two-day operation included:

Henry White, 63, of 321 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island, was charged with trafficking crack cocaine, four counts of sale and distribution of crack cocaine, possession of a firearm during the commission of aviolent crime, possession with intent to distribute methadone. William Stewart, 46, of 180 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head, was charged with possession of cocaine and simple possession of marijuana. Jeffrey Mitchell, 48, of 12 Goethe Road, Bluffton, was charged with violating the open container law and was served an outstanding bench warrant. Michelle Lee Smith, 27, of 12 Bush Lane, Bluffton, was charged with violating the open container law and was served two outstanding bench warrants. Morris Fitzgerald Stewart, 25, of 8A Bridge Point Apartments, Bluffton, was charged with simple possession of marijuana and giving false information to a police officer. • Jesse Clarence Jackson, 52, of 112 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head, was served a municipal bench warrant.
Kenneth Wing, 50, of 1803 Morris St., Beaufort, was charged with three counts of the sale and distribution of cocaine, three counts of the sale and distribution of Cocaine within ahalf mile of a school, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine within a half mile of a school and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Cedric Levon Simmons was charged with trafficking marijuana.

Drug money and a gun were seized this week following the arrests of eight people, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
The first arrest was made on Monday in Seabrook when Drug Task Force members seized 10 pounds of marijuana. The pot, which was shipped from Texas, was delivered to Cedric Levon Simmons’ house on Span Circle. When the 27year-old man signed off on the delivery, he was arrested, police said. Simmons was charged with trafficking marijuana.

Cedric Levon Simmons was charged with trafficking marijuana.

Drug money and a gun were seized this week following the arrests of eight people, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
The first arrest was made on Monday in Seabrook when Drug Task Force members seized 10 pounds of marijuana. The pot, which was shipped from Texas, was delivered to Cedric Levon Simmons’ house on Span Circle. When the 27year-old man signed off on the delivery, he was arrested, police said. Simmons was charged with trafficking marijuana.

Mahendrapaul Doodnauth, 45, of Seguin Court in Toronto, is charged with importing cocaine

Mahendrapaul Doodnauth, 45, of Seguin Court in Toronto, is charged with importing cocaine, conspiracy to import cocaine and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Bottles of bright orange hot sauce had an unusual travel companion on the freighter bringing them here from Guyana recently.Packets of cocaine worth a total of $40 million were taped to cardboard dividers in boxes of the sauce destined for a food distribution company in Etobicoke. The shipment – one of the largest drug busts in Ontario history – was seized two weeks ago in Saint John, N.B., police said yesterday.The hiding method was "very ingenious," said Det. Sgt. Mario Lessard of Durham Region police. "I've never seen it before."The 276-kilogram seizure of high-quality cocaine followed a year-long investigation into the source of drugs found on street gang members and drug users.Insp. Tom Cameron told reporters that police became aware last spring of a suspect who was "at or near the top" of a drug-smuggling operation, but didn't have enough evidence to charge anyone else.Border guards discovered the cocaine while inspecting shipping containers on a freighter Dec. 8. Agents found drugs in 551 of the 1,250 boxes of sauce and seasoning.

All but two kilograms were removed before the shipment was sent on to Caribbean International Food Distributors at 127 Westmore Dr., near Finch Ave. W. and Highway 27, police said. A man was arrested last Friday after unloading all 1,250 boxes at a rented storage facility.

The investigation and bust were Durham's largest, said Chief Mike Ewles, crediting his officers and assistance from the RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency."Cocaine is a highly addictive poison that tears families apart. It is often the root cause of many crimes, especially at the street level," Ewles said, adding it also "supports criminal gangs and wreaks havoc in our communities, with associated turf wars and killings."The drugs were bound for the GTA and beyond, police said.

Mahendrapaul Doodnauth, 45, of Seguin Court in Toronto, is charged with importing cocaine

Mahendrapaul Doodnauth, 45, of Seguin Court in Toronto, is charged with importing cocaine, conspiracy to import cocaine and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Bottles of bright orange hot sauce had an unusual travel companion on the freighter bringing them here from Guyana recently.Packets of cocaine worth a total of $40 million were taped to cardboard dividers in boxes of the sauce destined for a food distribution company in Etobicoke. The shipment – one of the largest drug busts in Ontario history – was seized two weeks ago in Saint John, N.B., police said yesterday.The hiding method was "very ingenious," said Det. Sgt. Mario Lessard of Durham Region police. "I've never seen it before."The 276-kilogram seizure of high-quality cocaine followed a year-long investigation into the source of drugs found on street gang members and drug users.Insp. Tom Cameron told reporters that police became aware last spring of a suspect who was "at or near the top" of a drug-smuggling operation, but didn't have enough evidence to charge anyone else.Border guards discovered the cocaine while inspecting shipping containers on a freighter Dec. 8. Agents found drugs in 551 of the 1,250 boxes of sauce and seasoning.

All but two kilograms were removed before the shipment was sent on to Caribbean International Food Distributors at 127 Westmore Dr., near Finch Ave. W. and Highway 27, police said. A man was arrested last Friday after unloading all 1,250 boxes at a rented storage facility.

The investigation and bust were Durham's largest, said Chief Mike Ewles, crediting his officers and assistance from the RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency."Cocaine is a highly addictive poison that tears families apart. It is often the root cause of many crimes, especially at the street level," Ewles said, adding it also "supports criminal gangs and wreaks havoc in our communities, with associated turf wars and killings."The drugs were bound for the GTA and beyond, police said.

Jeremy Lee Huggins, 24, and Paula Renee Huggins, 28, arrested and charged with possession of cocaine

The deputies noticed the vehicle broken down on the side of the road at Northchase Parkway and North College Road, according to Deputy C.G. Smith, spokesman for the county sheriff’s office. When the deputies went to help, they reportedly found more than a mechanical problem, and arrested and charged both people in the vehicle with possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.The people charged have been identified as Jeremy Lee Huggins, 24, and Paula Renee Huggins, 28, both of Rocky Point. They were released after posting a $15,000 unsecured bond, Smith said.

Jeremy Lee Huggins, 24, and Paula Renee Huggins, 28, arrested and charged with possession of cocaine

The deputies noticed the vehicle broken down on the side of the road at Northchase Parkway and North College Road, according to Deputy C.G. Smith, spokesman for the county sheriff’s office. When the deputies went to help, they reportedly found more than a mechanical problem, and arrested and charged both people in the vehicle with possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.The people charged have been identified as Jeremy Lee Huggins, 24, and Paula Renee Huggins, 28, both of Rocky Point. They were released after posting a $15,000 unsecured bond, Smith said.

Brenda Pinette facing charges of conveying an unauthorized item into a correctional facility

Brenda Pinette of Bristol, is facing charges of conveying an unauthorized item into a correctional facility and making a false statement to police. Court records show state police were sent to the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institute in Enfield on May 9 to investigate a suspicious package that was mailed to inmate Kevin Pinette. Inside, police say they found two envelopes containing Mother's Day cards and white powder wrapped in plastic wrap. The powder later tested positive for cocaine.
Brenda Pinette initially told police the powder came from two crushed-up pain pills.
She's scheduled to appear in court again on Jan. 5

Brenda Pinette facing charges of conveying an unauthorized item into a correctional facility

Brenda Pinette of Bristol, is facing charges of conveying an unauthorized item into a correctional facility and making a false statement to police. Court records show state police were sent to the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institute in Enfield on May 9 to investigate a suspicious package that was mailed to inmate Kevin Pinette. Inside, police say they found two envelopes containing Mother's Day cards and white powder wrapped in plastic wrap. The powder later tested positive for cocaine.
Brenda Pinette initially told police the powder came from two crushed-up pain pills.
She's scheduled to appear in court again on Jan. 5

Terrence Ford, 35; Keith Warren, 31; and Kevin Warren, 27, were held late Wednesday on charges of possession of cocaine

Three men were arrested Tuesday in what may be the biggest drug bust in Bell County history.Officers found more than 3 kilograms of powder cocaine and 80 grams of crack cocaine in two town homes in the 3700 block of YS Pak Court in Killeen, said Killeen police spokeswoman Carroll Smith.The estimated street value is about $1.2 million, Smith said.Terrence Ford, 35; Keith Warren, 31; and Kevin Warren, 27, were held late Wednesday on charges of possession of cocaine, more than 400 grams with intent to deliver, Smith said. They remained at the Bell County Jail in lieu of a $300,000 bond each, she said.

Terrence Ford, 35; Keith Warren, 31; and Kevin Warren, 27, were held late Wednesday on charges of possession of cocaine

Three men were arrested Tuesday in what may be the biggest drug bust in Bell County history.Officers found more than 3 kilograms of powder cocaine and 80 grams of crack cocaine in two town homes in the 3700 block of YS Pak Court in Killeen, said Killeen police spokeswoman Carroll Smith.The estimated street value is about $1.2 million, Smith said.Terrence Ford, 35; Keith Warren, 31; and Kevin Warren, 27, were held late Wednesday on charges of possession of cocaine, more than 400 grams with intent to deliver, Smith said. They remained at the Bell County Jail in lieu of a $300,000 bond each, she said.

Steven Peter Hipwell, 32, was arrested by Cherng Talay Police on December 22 at 4.30 pm allegedly in possession of two bags of cocaine

Steven Peter Hipwell, 32, was arrested by Cherng Talay Police on December 22 at 4.30 pm allegedly in possession of two bags of cocaine totaling 0.6 and 0.7 grams.
His arrest came in a sting operation involving another Englishman ,who had been arrested on drug charges by police in Patong days earlier.Police alleged that David Pet had been caught with cocaine on Nanai Road, and while being held he told police that Hipwell had sold him the drugs.Police then arranged a sting and raid on Hipwell's house, where David ''bought'' the cocaine while police waited outside.Police searched Hipwell's home. Officers said they found another small packet of cocaine in a money jar.Hipwell is being held in Phuket jail while the court considers bail.Both Pet and Hipwell were living and working in Phuket, police say

Steven Peter Hipwell, 32, was arrested by Cherng Talay Police on December 22 at 4.30 pm allegedly in possession of two bags of cocaine

Steven Peter Hipwell, 32, was arrested by Cherng Talay Police on December 22 at 4.30 pm allegedly in possession of two bags of cocaine totaling 0.6 and 0.7 grams.
His arrest came in a sting operation involving another Englishman ,who had been arrested on drug charges by police in Patong days earlier.Police alleged that David Pet had been caught with cocaine on Nanai Road, and while being held he told police that Hipwell had sold him the drugs.Police then arranged a sting and raid on Hipwell's house, where David ''bought'' the cocaine while police waited outside.Police searched Hipwell's home. Officers said they found another small packet of cocaine in a money jar.Hipwell is being held in Phuket jail while the court considers bail.Both Pet and Hipwell were living and working in Phuket, police say

Franklin Payano, of Hollywood, Fla., and Luis Payano, of the Bronx, N.Y., were each charged with nine drug counts.

Acting on information received by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration in Hartford, police staked out a parking lot at 262 Spencer St. They arrested Franklin Payano, 33, and Luis Payano, 41, and seized 5 kilograms of cocaine. Police said the cocaine had a wholesale value of $200,000 and a street value of approximately $1 million.Both men were arrested without incident and were held, with bail set at $1.5 million each. Franklin Payano, of Hollywood, Fla., and Luis Payano, of the Bronx, N.Y., were each charged with nine drug counts.Members of the DEA Task Force, the East Central Narcotics Task Force and Manchester and New Britain police departments participated in the investigation.

Franklin Payano, of Hollywood, Fla., and Luis Payano, of the Bronx, N.Y., were each charged with nine drug counts.

Acting on information received by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration in Hartford, police staked out a parking lot at 262 Spencer St. They arrested Franklin Payano, 33, and Luis Payano, 41, and seized 5 kilograms of cocaine. Police said the cocaine had a wholesale value of $200,000 and a street value of approximately $1 million.Both men were arrested without incident and were held, with bail set at $1.5 million each. Franklin Payano, of Hollywood, Fla., and Luis Payano, of the Bronx, N.Y., were each charged with nine drug counts.Members of the DEA Task Force, the East Central Narcotics Task Force and Manchester and New Britain police departments participated in the investigation.

Darryl E. Erskine,charged with one count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance

Darryl E. Erskine, of Story Avenue in the Bronx, was charged with one count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class B felony. The charge was a result of an ongoing joint investigation by the state police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Ithaca Police Department Special Investigations Unit into alleged trafficking in Ithaca and Tompkins County.A search warrant was sought after a vehicle Erskine was driving was stopped on I-81 in Broome County. Police said approximately one ounce of individually packaged crack cocaine was in the vehicle.As part of the search warrant, an apartment on George Road in the Town of Dryden was also searched, according to Ithaca police.Erskine was arraigned in Broome County and held at the Broome County jail with no bail.

Darryl E. Erskine,charged with one count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance

Darryl E. Erskine, of Story Avenue in the Bronx, was charged with one count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class B felony. The charge was a result of an ongoing joint investigation by the state police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Ithaca Police Department Special Investigations Unit into alleged trafficking in Ithaca and Tompkins County.A search warrant was sought after a vehicle Erskine was driving was stopped on I-81 in Broome County. Police said approximately one ounce of individually packaged crack cocaine was in the vehicle.As part of the search warrant, an apartment on George Road in the Town of Dryden was also searched, according to Ithaca police.Erskine was arraigned in Broome County and held at the Broome County jail with no bail.

Sherry Johnston repeatedly sold OxyContin using text messages to direct customers to department store parking lots where they paid and she delivered.

Sherry Johnston repeatedly sold OxyContin using text messages to direct customers to department store parking lots where they paid and she delivered. But in one message, according to the affidavit, Johnston complained that unusual media and other public attention was cramping her business:

"Hey, my phones are tapped and reporters and god knows who else is always following me and the family so no privacy," Johnston wrote in a text message to a customer.

Until her arrest,

Johnston, 42, was better known as the mother of Levi Johnston, the Wasilla teen who hit the headlines after Gov. Sarah Palin announced her daughter was pregnant and he was the father. Palin made the announcement when she was running for vice president on the Republican ticket with John McCain.

Johnston is charged with six counts of misconduct involving a controlled substance -- essentially sale and possession. The affidavit says she "did admit to selling her Oxycontin pills to (an informant)."The affidavit, dated Dec. 22, details how troopers used two informants to collect evidence that Johnston sold OxyContin on Oct. 11, Oct. 22 and Nov. 26. The informants had been arrested themselves on a drug charge and agreed to help trap Johnston. Trooper-supervised buys were set up by cell phone text messages and took place in Target and Fred Meyer parking lots. On each occasion, troopers charge, she got $800 for 10 pills. Troopers say that in the text messages, Johnston used the code words ''coffee'' and ''cup'' for OxyContin.
"... there's only so many times I can go for coffee a month. The rest of the time I need to have it at home!" read one message. Troopers said this meant Johnston was willing to sell only so many pills each month and the rest she would keep for her own use.The affidavit refers to Johnston being under Secret Service protection while dealing drugs, but that appears to be incorrect. Special Agent Darrin Blackford, spokesman for the Secret Service in Washington, D.C., said that only the governor and her immediate family were protected. Johnston was not under the agency's protection or surveillance, he said.Troopers later agreed that part of the affidavit was wrong. "Whenever she was in contact with Palin, that was probably the only time it came into play," said trooper spokeswoman Beth Ipsen.The affidavit does not explain where Johnston got the OxyContin, a popular painkiller that can only be bought legally with a prescription.Abuse of OxyContin, often called "hillbilly heroin" and a highly addictive drug, has been on the rise in the country and in Alaska in recent years, according to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.
After her arrest, Johnston was released on bail.

Sherry Johnston repeatedly sold OxyContin using text messages to direct customers to department store parking lots where they paid and she delivered.

Sherry Johnston repeatedly sold OxyContin using text messages to direct customers to department store parking lots where they paid and she delivered. But in one message, according to the affidavit, Johnston complained that unusual media and other public attention was cramping her business:

"Hey, my phones are tapped and reporters and god knows who else is always following me and the family so no privacy," Johnston wrote in a text message to a customer.

Until her arrest,

Johnston, 42, was better known as the mother of Levi Johnston, the Wasilla teen who hit the headlines after Gov. Sarah Palin announced her daughter was pregnant and he was the father. Palin made the announcement when she was running for vice president on the Republican ticket with John McCain.

Johnston is charged with six counts of misconduct involving a controlled substance -- essentially sale and possession. The affidavit says she "did admit to selling her Oxycontin pills to (an informant)."The affidavit, dated Dec. 22, details how troopers used two informants to collect evidence that Johnston sold OxyContin on Oct. 11, Oct. 22 and Nov. 26. The informants had been arrested themselves on a drug charge and agreed to help trap Johnston. Trooper-supervised buys were set up by cell phone text messages and took place in Target and Fred Meyer parking lots. On each occasion, troopers charge, she got $800 for 10 pills. Troopers say that in the text messages, Johnston used the code words ''coffee'' and ''cup'' for OxyContin.
"... there's only so many times I can go for coffee a month. The rest of the time I need to have it at home!" read one message. Troopers said this meant Johnston was willing to sell only so many pills each month and the rest she would keep for her own use.The affidavit refers to Johnston being under Secret Service protection while dealing drugs, but that appears to be incorrect. Special Agent Darrin Blackford, spokesman for the Secret Service in Washington, D.C., said that only the governor and her immediate family were protected. Johnston was not under the agency's protection or surveillance, he said.Troopers later agreed that part of the affidavit was wrong. "Whenever she was in contact with Palin, that was probably the only time it came into play," said trooper spokeswoman Beth Ipsen.The affidavit does not explain where Johnston got the OxyContin, a popular painkiller that can only be bought legally with a prescription.Abuse of OxyContin, often called "hillbilly heroin" and a highly addictive drug, has been on the rise in the country and in Alaska in recent years, according to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.
After her arrest, Johnston was released on bail.

Dominique Tyrone Robinson faces one count of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Dominique Tyrone Robinson guard at the Milwaukee County House of Corrections has been charged with dealing cocaine.
Twenty-seven-year-old Dominique Tyrone Robinson faces one count of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. According to a criminal complaint, a police informant bought cocaine from Robinson in December 2006 and again in January 2007. Authorities searched his home that month and discovered crack cocaine and a digital scale. They arrested him Dec. 16. Spokesman Bill Cosh of the state Justice Department, which led the investigation, declined comment on why Robinson wasn't arrested earlier. Online court records didn't include an attorney for Robinson.

Dominique Tyrone Robinson faces one count of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Dominique Tyrone Robinson guard at the Milwaukee County House of Corrections has been charged with dealing cocaine.
Twenty-seven-year-old Dominique Tyrone Robinson faces one count of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. According to a criminal complaint, a police informant bought cocaine from Robinson in December 2006 and again in January 2007. Authorities searched his home that month and discovered crack cocaine and a digital scale. They arrested him Dec. 16. Spokesman Bill Cosh of the state Justice Department, which led the investigation, declined comment on why Robinson wasn't arrested earlier. Online court records didn't include an attorney for Robinson.

Khan Mohammed gets life in prison

Heroin dealer Khan Mohammed on Monday received two life sentences running concurrently from U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly.In addition to selling drugs, federal prosecutors said Mohammed also was an arms trafficker who targeted Afghans and U.S. personnel in Afghanistan. He was held as an enemy combatant before he agreed in 2006 to face trial in the United States.A federal jury found Khan guilty of securing heroin and opium that he knew were bound for the United States and, in doing so, assisting terrorism activity.His conviction on narco-terrorism charges in May was the first under new narco-terrorism laws, the Justice Department said.

Khan Mohammed gets life in prison

Heroin dealer Khan Mohammed on Monday received two life sentences running concurrently from U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly.In addition to selling drugs, federal prosecutors said Mohammed also was an arms trafficker who targeted Afghans and U.S. personnel in Afghanistan. He was held as an enemy combatant before he agreed in 2006 to face trial in the United States.A federal jury found Khan guilty of securing heroin and opium that he knew were bound for the United States and, in doing so, assisting terrorism activity.His conviction on narco-terrorism charges in May was the first under new narco-terrorism laws, the Justice Department said.

Khan Mohammed gets life in prison

Heroin dealer Khan Mohammed on Monday received two life sentences running concurrently from U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly.In addition to selling drugs, federal prosecutors said Mohammed also was an arms trafficker who targeted Afghans and U.S. personnel in Afghanistan. He was held as an enemy combatant before he agreed in 2006 to face trial in the United States.A federal jury found Khan guilty of securing heroin and opium that he knew were bound for the United States and, in doing so, assisting terrorism activity.His conviction on narco-terrorism charges in May was the first under new narco-terrorism laws, the Justice Department said.

Khan Mohammed gets life in prison

Heroin dealer Khan Mohammed on Monday received two life sentences running concurrently from U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly.In addition to selling drugs, federal prosecutors said Mohammed also was an arms trafficker who targeted Afghans and U.S. personnel in Afghanistan. He was held as an enemy combatant before he agreed in 2006 to face trial in the United States.A federal jury found Khan guilty of securing heroin and opium that he knew were bound for the United States and, in doing so, assisting terrorism activity.His conviction on narco-terrorism charges in May was the first under new narco-terrorism laws, the Justice Department said.

Dareon C. Dean, charged Wednesday with cocaine possession and delivery

Dareon C. Dean, 20, of the 1200 block of East Wilson Street, was charged Wednesday with cocaine possession and delivery, and delivery of a look-alike substance. Dean is accused in court documents of selling less than one gram of cocaine to a Batavia police officer and dealing look-alike substances in November. If convicted of the most serious charge, Dean could be sentenced to four to 15 years in prison or probation. He was being held in the Kane County jail Thursday with bail set at $35,000, pending a court appearance Friday. In 2007, Dean was convicted of mob action in Kane County and sentenced to 18 months in prison, court records show.

Dareon C. Dean, charged Wednesday with cocaine possession and delivery

Dareon C. Dean, 20, of the 1200 block of East Wilson Street, was charged Wednesday with cocaine possession and delivery, and delivery of a look-alike substance. Dean is accused in court documents of selling less than one gram of cocaine to a Batavia police officer and dealing look-alike substances in November. If convicted of the most serious charge, Dean could be sentenced to four to 15 years in prison or probation. He was being held in the Kane County jail Thursday with bail set at $35,000, pending a court appearance Friday. In 2007, Dean was convicted of mob action in Kane County and sentenced to 18 months in prison, court records show.

Jason Broom was sentenced for moving pounds of cocaine in the New Orleans area and Mississippi after pleading guilty to intent to distribute cocaine

Jason Broom, 32, was sentenced to 25 years for running cocaine ring
for moving pounds of cocaine in the New Orleans area and Mississippi after pleading guilty to intent to distribute cocaine, Cannizarro said. The network was broken up by a joint operation by St. Bernard police and federal law enforcement, police said. Approximately 30 people have been arrested in the past three years from the network, including Broom who served as a member and a leader, police said, and they expect to make more arrests.

Jason Broom was sentenced for moving pounds of cocaine in the New Orleans area and Mississippi after pleading guilty to intent to distribute cocaine

Jason Broom, 32, was sentenced to 25 years for running cocaine ring
for moving pounds of cocaine in the New Orleans area and Mississippi after pleading guilty to intent to distribute cocaine, Cannizarro said. The network was broken up by a joint operation by St. Bernard police and federal law enforcement, police said. Approximately 30 people have been arrested in the past three years from the network, including Broom who served as a member and a leader, police said, and they expect to make more arrests.

Terrance Jarrod Hudson, 28, was arrested Tuesday after Alachua County sheriff's Sgt. Joshua Crews pulled him over

Terrance Jarrod Hudson, 28, was arrested Tuesday after Alachua County sheriff's Sgt. Joshua Crews pulled him over in the Arredondo Estates neighborhood.While talking to Hudson about the need to protect his eyes while riding a moped, deputies noticed a bulge in Hudson's pants that turned out to be two large plastic bags. Deputies field tested the contents and determined it was marijuana. A further search of Hudson's clothing turned up three crack cocaine rocks.Deputies escorted Hudson to the nearby home where he had been living with his mother.Inside the home deputies said they immediately noticed several rocks of cocaine on a coffee table. A search of Hudson's bedroom reportedly turned up a pound of marijuana, a bundle of marijuana inside a locked safe, a stolen .22 caliber rifle and two other rifles with altered serial numbers, and a Play Station 3 that had been reported stolen out of Houston.Hudson sad charged with two counts of possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, tampering with evidence and grand larceny.Investigators said additional charges were pending further investigation.Bail for Hudson was set at $32,000. He was being held at the Alachua County Jail on Thursday.

Terrance Jarrod Hudson, 28, was arrested Tuesday after Alachua County sheriff's Sgt. Joshua Crews pulled him over

Terrance Jarrod Hudson, 28, was arrested Tuesday after Alachua County sheriff's Sgt. Joshua Crews pulled him over in the Arredondo Estates neighborhood.While talking to Hudson about the need to protect his eyes while riding a moped, deputies noticed a bulge in Hudson's pants that turned out to be two large plastic bags. Deputies field tested the contents and determined it was marijuana. A further search of Hudson's clothing turned up three crack cocaine rocks.Deputies escorted Hudson to the nearby home where he had been living with his mother.Inside the home deputies said they immediately noticed several rocks of cocaine on a coffee table. A search of Hudson's bedroom reportedly turned up a pound of marijuana, a bundle of marijuana inside a locked safe, a stolen .22 caliber rifle and two other rifles with altered serial numbers, and a Play Station 3 that had been reported stolen out of Houston.Hudson sad charged with two counts of possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, tampering with evidence and grand larceny.Investigators said additional charges were pending further investigation.Bail for Hudson was set at $32,000. He was being held at the Alachua County Jail on Thursday.

Shirley Charles was jailed for 15 years with hard labour.

Charles who stood during Justice Andre Mondesir's 45-minute sentencing, quickly turned to her two relatives in the public gallery crying and wiping the tears from her face. As she was being escorted out the courtroom, Charles' sobs could be heard even when the heavy wooden doors were closed behind her. Charles, who was represented by attorney El Farouk Hosein was found guilty by a nine-member jury two weeks ago for being in possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking on September 9, 2002, at the Piarco International Airport. In passing sentence Mondesir said the drug trade cannot be viewed in isolation since it causes damage to the fabric of society. Referring to Charles' testimony where she made reference to a man named "James" who handed her the suitcase," Mondesir said, "If you look in the docks it is not James there. If he does in fact exist one wonders about your loyalty to him." Adding that Charles was just one link in the chain of destruction and she had no idea of "the damage she inflicts," Mondesir said. He said her part of conveying the drugs and collecting money does not end there. "When you go lower down the chain, you have people who steal, rob, just to get money for drugs for which you traffic. "People sell their jewelry and chattel. Wealthy drug lords and cartels use the drug money to purchase illegal arms and ammunition...It is never a simple case of just smuggling drugs from one place to another...you were not just a carrier but you were engaging in the escalating level of crime in society," Mondesir said. The State's case was led by attorney Jennifer Martin. According to the State's case, Organised Crime Narcotics and Firearms Bureau detectives PC Mc Donald and Sgt Kerwin Francis were on duty at the Piarco International Airport around 5 p.m. at the security check point in company with other officers when they saw Charles who was destined for New York, USA, and told her they were acting on information that she was transporting drugs. Charles' suitcase was checked and the cocaine found hidden in the lining of her suitcase.

Shirley Charles was jailed for 15 years with hard labour.

Charles who stood during Justice Andre Mondesir's 45-minute sentencing, quickly turned to her two relatives in the public gallery crying and wiping the tears from her face. As she was being escorted out the courtroom, Charles' sobs could be heard even when the heavy wooden doors were closed behind her. Charles, who was represented by attorney El Farouk Hosein was found guilty by a nine-member jury two weeks ago for being in possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking on September 9, 2002, at the Piarco International Airport. In passing sentence Mondesir said the drug trade cannot be viewed in isolation since it causes damage to the fabric of society. Referring to Charles' testimony where she made reference to a man named "James" who handed her the suitcase," Mondesir said, "If you look in the docks it is not James there. If he does in fact exist one wonders about your loyalty to him." Adding that Charles was just one link in the chain of destruction and she had no idea of "the damage she inflicts," Mondesir said. He said her part of conveying the drugs and collecting money does not end there. "When you go lower down the chain, you have people who steal, rob, just to get money for drugs for which you traffic. "People sell their jewelry and chattel. Wealthy drug lords and cartels use the drug money to purchase illegal arms and ammunition...It is never a simple case of just smuggling drugs from one place to another...you were not just a carrier but you were engaging in the escalating level of crime in society," Mondesir said. The State's case was led by attorney Jennifer Martin. According to the State's case, Organised Crime Narcotics and Firearms Bureau detectives PC Mc Donald and Sgt Kerwin Francis were on duty at the Piarco International Airport around 5 p.m. at the security check point in company with other officers when they saw Charles who was destined for New York, USA, and told her they were acting on information that she was transporting drugs. Charles' suitcase was checked and the cocaine found hidden in the lining of her suitcase.

Trevor Perry, who was found guilty of distributing less than five grams of a cocaine base

Trevor Perry, who was found guilty of distributing less than five grams of a cocaine base, was sentenced to 271/4 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Richard Young said the sentence was "not the statutory maximum but (still) a substantial sentence" and told Perry he believed him to be a "career criminal."Perry told the judge he felt the sentence was unfair, vindictive and racially motivated.Also sentenced Thursday was Kamal Sims, who received a minimum statutory sentence of 20 years. Sims did not make a statement during the sentencing, but his attorney, Conor O'Daniel, told the court he maintains his innocence.Young said he hopes the sentencings will deter others from committing similar crimes. Young told Sims he hopes that he takes educational programs seriously while he is in prison so he can lead a productive life after his release."If I see you again in this courtroom, it's not going to be a pleasant situation for you," Young said. "That will tell me, your attorney and your family that you don't care what happens to you. Hopefully, you can get through and be a productive member of society."Perry and Sims were the last to be sentenced in the case, and both received additional time on their sentences because of previous felony convictions. On Wednesday, two other Evansville men were sentenced in the case. David Neighbors, who federal prosecutors said is believed to be the leader of the group, was sentenced to life in prison, and LaFrederick Taylor was given 20 years. The four men were among 20 people arrested last year for allegedly dealing cocaine in the Evansville area. The men were found guilty in August after a nearly two week trial in U.S. District Court in Evansville.

Trevor Perry, who was found guilty of distributing less than five grams of a cocaine base

Trevor Perry, who was found guilty of distributing less than five grams of a cocaine base, was sentenced to 271/4 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Richard Young said the sentence was "not the statutory maximum but (still) a substantial sentence" and told Perry he believed him to be a "career criminal."Perry told the judge he felt the sentence was unfair, vindictive and racially motivated.Also sentenced Thursday was Kamal Sims, who received a minimum statutory sentence of 20 years. Sims did not make a statement during the sentencing, but his attorney, Conor O'Daniel, told the court he maintains his innocence.Young said he hopes the sentencings will deter others from committing similar crimes. Young told Sims he hopes that he takes educational programs seriously while he is in prison so he can lead a productive life after his release."If I see you again in this courtroom, it's not going to be a pleasant situation for you," Young said. "That will tell me, your attorney and your family that you don't care what happens to you. Hopefully, you can get through and be a productive member of society."Perry and Sims were the last to be sentenced in the case, and both received additional time on their sentences because of previous felony convictions. On Wednesday, two other Evansville men were sentenced in the case. David Neighbors, who federal prosecutors said is believed to be the leader of the group, was sentenced to life in prison, and LaFrederick Taylor was given 20 years. The four men were among 20 people arrested last year for allegedly dealing cocaine in the Evansville area. The men were found guilty in August after a nearly two week trial in U.S. District Court in Evansville.

Robert Pammett, the central figure in a multi-agency drug investigation into the Peterborough cocaine trade

Robert Pammett, the central figure in a multi-agency drug investigation into the Peterborough cocaine trade, has set a date for his preliminary inquiry. Defence lawyer Glenn Orr was granted a two-day hearing yesterday, set for Jan. 30 and Feb. 4. Police have linked Pammett to the defunct Ontario branch of the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang. He has been the focus of Project Underground, which began as an investigation into his gang affiliations, court has heard, but shifted to the drug angle when the Bandidos disbanded in Ontario in fall of 2007. It culminated in the raid and seizure of Pammett's McNamara Road home March 26 and the arrest of nearly a dozen people from Peterborough and Toronto. Pammett has been in custody since his arrest. He was refused bail May 5. He faces 16 charges, including trafficking cocaine and possessing a restricted handgun. Co-accused Kenneth Hudson, 48, Wanda Witkowski, 36, and Krystina McMillan, 28, have been adjourned to Jan. 30.
Co-accused Cherie Pammett, 35, will appear in court Monday and co-accused Trevor Forster, 30, will appear by video Dec. 24.

Robert Pammett, the central figure in a multi-agency drug investigation into the Peterborough cocaine trade

Robert Pammett, the central figure in a multi-agency drug investigation into the Peterborough cocaine trade, has set a date for his preliminary inquiry. Defence lawyer Glenn Orr was granted a two-day hearing yesterday, set for Jan. 30 and Feb. 4. Police have linked Pammett to the defunct Ontario branch of the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang. He has been the focus of Project Underground, which began as an investigation into his gang affiliations, court has heard, but shifted to the drug angle when the Bandidos disbanded in Ontario in fall of 2007. It culminated in the raid and seizure of Pammett's McNamara Road home March 26 and the arrest of nearly a dozen people from Peterborough and Toronto. Pammett has been in custody since his arrest. He was refused bail May 5. He faces 16 charges, including trafficking cocaine and possessing a restricted handgun. Co-accused Kenneth Hudson, 48, Wanda Witkowski, 36, and Krystina McMillan, 28, have been adjourned to Jan. 30.
Co-accused Cherie Pammett, 35, will appear in court Monday and co-accused Trevor Forster, 30, will appear by video Dec. 24.

Jose Hernandez,charged with a first degree felony after K-9 officers ripped apart the car he was driving to expose an expertly hidden cache of powder

Jose Hernandez, 45, of 1815 Ozark St., Memphis, was stopped on Interstate 20 on Wednesday by a local deputy and was charged with a first degree felony after K-9 officers ripped apart the car he was driving to expose an expertly hidden cache of powder cocaine valued at more than $250,000.Cpl. Randy Payne of Harrison County Sheriff?s with his K-9 partner, Rusty, a Belgian shepherd dog. The two are responsible for the arrest of a Tennessee man, who was transporting 29 pounds of powder cocaine on Interstate Highway 20 in a hidden compartment of a Volkswagen Jetta.Sgt. Steve Ashmore praised the diligence of a young officer and his dog in making the bust.The crime with which Hernandez is charged is punishable by a term of between five to 99 years or life in the penitentiary.Ashmore said Cpl. Randy Payne, a K-9 officer for the past five months, used his dog to ascertain there were drugs in the 1995 Volkswagen Jetta that Hernandez was driving eastbound on the interstate.Ashmore, who is Payne's supervisor, said the deputy was out with another traffic stop at approximately 3:30 p.m. at a point between the 618 and 619 mile markers when the Jetta sped by.Texas law is that drivers are required either to slow down or change lanes "when they see a patrol car with its overhead lights on," Ashmore explained, adding the operator of the Volkswagen did neither.Payne pursued him, stopping the vehicle at the 620 mile marker, which is near Farm-to-Market Road 31 and Scottsville.The deputy "had a little bit of a language barrier when he asked for consent to search the car," Ashmore said. So Payne checked the vehicle with Rusty, a Belgian malinois (shepherd dog)."His dog got an alert," Ashmore said. After Payne informed Hernandez of the hit, the driver "got a dollar bill out of his wallet that had been folded to contain a couple of grams of powder cocaine."Ashmore said Payne then arrested Hernandez and "decided to bring everybody and the car to the sally port" outside the jail.Payne suspected there were additional drugs in the vehicle because Rusty indicated it and because Hernandez and a passenger, his 16-year-old stepdaughter, gave conflicting stories.Hernandez said he was on his way home after having been to Dallas to look for work, while the teenager said they had taken a female friend to Dallas so she could go back to Mexico to have her baby.
Ashmore said Payne called for the assistance of Gregg County K-9 officer Tracy Freeman to search the Jetta and the two spent approximately four hours before locating the drugs."They knew it was in the dashboard," Ashmore said of the cocaine, "but it was well hidden. Someone had done a professional job of installing a special compartment in the dash to contain the drugs.
"They totally dismantled the vehicle," Ashmore said, adding the car will have to be scrapped.Hernandez was arraigned Friday morning before Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Mike Smith.That procedure was delayed because Hernandez complained of chest pains Wednesday night and was taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center-Marshall for observation.Ashmore said the teenager was never a suspect in the case. Her mother was notified of her whereabouts Wednesday night and, per her request, motel accommodations were provided here. Someone came to Marshall to get the girl Thursday morning, he added.The wrapped bags of powder cocaine weighed in at 29 pounds, which Ashmore said, probably cost the purchaser "a quarter of a million dollars."He had said earlier that cocaine sells on the street for about $900 per ounce, placing the value of the stash at approximately $417,600.On Oct. 30, Payne made a traffic stop for speeding at the 624 mile post marker on I-20 and arrested two people, a Carrolton woman and a New Orleans man, for possession of 274.6 grams of powder cocaine.Ashmore called Payne "an excellent young officer. He is doing a super job. He's upbeat and has been working really hard. Now things are coming together for him."Payne thanked Freeman for his assistance, noting the older officer is his mentor.He also praised Rusty, noting his canine partner, bred and born in Holland, "is worth every penny" of his purchase price."He tore great chunks out of that dash. It was like he said, 'Daddy, it's in there!' You gotta trust your dog," Payne said.

Jose Hernandez,charged with a first degree felony after K-9 officers ripped apart the car he was driving to expose an expertly hidden cache of powder

Jose Hernandez, 45, of 1815 Ozark St., Memphis, was stopped on Interstate 20 on Wednesday by a local deputy and was charged with a first degree felony after K-9 officers ripped apart the car he was driving to expose an expertly hidden cache of powder cocaine valued at more than $250,000.Cpl. Randy Payne of Harrison County Sheriff?s with his K-9 partner, Rusty, a Belgian shepherd dog. The two are responsible for the arrest of a Tennessee man, who was transporting 29 pounds of powder cocaine on Interstate Highway 20 in a hidden compartment of a Volkswagen Jetta.Sgt. Steve Ashmore praised the diligence of a young officer and his dog in making the bust.The crime with which Hernandez is charged is punishable by a term of between five to 99 years or life in the penitentiary.Ashmore said Cpl. Randy Payne, a K-9 officer for the past five months, used his dog to ascertain there were drugs in the 1995 Volkswagen Jetta that Hernandez was driving eastbound on the interstate.Ashmore, who is Payne's supervisor, said the deputy was out with another traffic stop at approximately 3:30 p.m. at a point between the 618 and 619 mile markers when the Jetta sped by.Texas law is that drivers are required either to slow down or change lanes "when they see a patrol car with its overhead lights on," Ashmore explained, adding the operator of the Volkswagen did neither.Payne pursued him, stopping the vehicle at the 620 mile marker, which is near Farm-to-Market Road 31 and Scottsville.The deputy "had a little bit of a language barrier when he asked for consent to search the car," Ashmore said. So Payne checked the vehicle with Rusty, a Belgian malinois (shepherd dog)."His dog got an alert," Ashmore said. After Payne informed Hernandez of the hit, the driver "got a dollar bill out of his wallet that had been folded to contain a couple of grams of powder cocaine."Ashmore said Payne then arrested Hernandez and "decided to bring everybody and the car to the sally port" outside the jail.Payne suspected there were additional drugs in the vehicle because Rusty indicated it and because Hernandez and a passenger, his 16-year-old stepdaughter, gave conflicting stories.Hernandez said he was on his way home after having been to Dallas to look for work, while the teenager said they had taken a female friend to Dallas so she could go back to Mexico to have her baby.
Ashmore said Payne called for the assistance of Gregg County K-9 officer Tracy Freeman to search the Jetta and the two spent approximately four hours before locating the drugs."They knew it was in the dashboard," Ashmore said of the cocaine, "but it was well hidden. Someone had done a professional job of installing a special compartment in the dash to contain the drugs.
"They totally dismantled the vehicle," Ashmore said, adding the car will have to be scrapped.Hernandez was arraigned Friday morning before Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Mike Smith.That procedure was delayed because Hernandez complained of chest pains Wednesday night and was taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center-Marshall for observation.Ashmore said the teenager was never a suspect in the case. Her mother was notified of her whereabouts Wednesday night and, per her request, motel accommodations were provided here. Someone came to Marshall to get the girl Thursday morning, he added.The wrapped bags of powder cocaine weighed in at 29 pounds, which Ashmore said, probably cost the purchaser "a quarter of a million dollars."He had said earlier that cocaine sells on the street for about $900 per ounce, placing the value of the stash at approximately $417,600.On Oct. 30, Payne made a traffic stop for speeding at the 624 mile post marker on I-20 and arrested two people, a Carrolton woman and a New Orleans man, for possession of 274.6 grams of powder cocaine.Ashmore called Payne "an excellent young officer. He is doing a super job. He's upbeat and has been working really hard. Now things are coming together for him."Payne thanked Freeman for his assistance, noting the older officer is his mentor.He also praised Rusty, noting his canine partner, bred and born in Holland, "is worth every penny" of his purchase price."He tore great chunks out of that dash. It was like he said, 'Daddy, it's in there!' You gotta trust your dog," Payne said.

Myrtle Beach police arrested Maurice Burgess for attempted distribution of crack cocaine and unlawfully carrying a handgun

Police had an active warrant for Maurice Burgess charging Burgess with armed robbery stemming from an incident which occurred in the area of 21st Avenue North and Robert Grissom Parkway on September 28, 2008.Myrtle Beach police arrested Burgess for attempted distribution of crack cocaine and unlawfully carrying a handgun Thursday.
Burgess was out on bond for a 2006 armed robbery, kidnapping, and assault and battery charges which occurred at the Kentucky Fried Chicken, located at 17 Bypass and Hwy 707.Myrtle Beach police are investigating Burgess’s possibile involovement in other violent crime incidents which have occurred in the Grand Strand area in these past few months.

Myrtle Beach police arrested Maurice Burgess for attempted distribution of crack cocaine and unlawfully carrying a handgun

Police had an active warrant for Maurice Burgess charging Burgess with armed robbery stemming from an incident which occurred in the area of 21st Avenue North and Robert Grissom Parkway on September 28, 2008.Myrtle Beach police arrested Burgess for attempted distribution of crack cocaine and unlawfully carrying a handgun Thursday.
Burgess was out on bond for a 2006 armed robbery, kidnapping, and assault and battery charges which occurred at the Kentucky Fried Chicken, located at 17 Bypass and Hwy 707.Myrtle Beach police are investigating Burgess’s possibile involovement in other violent crime incidents which have occurred in the Grand Strand area in these past few months.

Barry Robinson, found guilty of all 14 counts of an indictment stemming from a series of cocaine sales

eight-man, four-woman jury found Barry Robinson, 33, of College Avenue, guilty of all 14 counts of an indictment stemming from a series of cocaine sales last January. The jury deliberated about seven hours Thursday and another hour Friday before reaching its verdict.Robinson, who has a previous felony conviction, faces a minimum of six years in prison and a maximum of 15 for the crimes. Dutchess County Court Judge Gerald V. Hayes, who presided at the nine-day trial, set Jan. 28 for sentencing.
During the trial, officers from the city police department's Neighborhood Recovery Unit and other witnesses testified Robinson sold cocaine to an undercover informant Jan. 15, 24, 25, 30 and 31. Police testified they seized cocaine and marijuana from Robinson's apartment when they executed a search warrant and arrested him Feb. 8.
Two counts in the indictment accused Robinson of selling illegal drugs near a school, a Class B felony added to the state penal law in 2006. Two of the sales reportedly took place on the middle-school grounds.Senior Assistant District Attorney Sarah Thompson prosecuted the case. Robinson was defended by Poughkeepsie attorney Lee Klein.

Barry Robinson, found guilty of all 14 counts of an indictment stemming from a series of cocaine sales

eight-man, four-woman jury found Barry Robinson, 33, of College Avenue, guilty of all 14 counts of an indictment stemming from a series of cocaine sales last January. The jury deliberated about seven hours Thursday and another hour Friday before reaching its verdict.Robinson, who has a previous felony conviction, faces a minimum of six years in prison and a maximum of 15 for the crimes. Dutchess County Court Judge Gerald V. Hayes, who presided at the nine-day trial, set Jan. 28 for sentencing.
During the trial, officers from the city police department's Neighborhood Recovery Unit and other witnesses testified Robinson sold cocaine to an undercover informant Jan. 15, 24, 25, 30 and 31. Police testified they seized cocaine and marijuana from Robinson's apartment when they executed a search warrant and arrested him Feb. 8.
Two counts in the indictment accused Robinson of selling illegal drugs near a school, a Class B felony added to the state penal law in 2006. Two of the sales reportedly took place on the middle-school grounds.Senior Assistant District Attorney Sarah Thompson prosecuted the case. Robinson was defended by Poughkeepsie attorney Lee Klein.

John Patrick Lacour Jr. is accused of taking delivery orders for crack over the phone.

John Patrick Lacour Jr. was held on $250,000 bond. Barr had no information on an attorney for Lacour.Lacour is accused of taking delivery orders for crack over the phone.Officers, acting on a tip, called the number and pretended to want to buy cocaine. They requested a delivery to a certain address, plus asked the person to describe himself so they would know who to expect.Lt. D.J. Alvarez told the Galveston County Daily News that Lacour was arrested early Thursday when he arrived. Police confiscated a small amount of cocaine.

John Patrick Lacour Jr. is accused of taking delivery orders for crack over the phone.

John Patrick Lacour Jr. was held on $250,000 bond. Barr had no information on an attorney for Lacour.Lacour is accused of taking delivery orders for crack over the phone.Officers, acting on a tip, called the number and pretended to want to buy cocaine. They requested a delivery to a certain address, plus asked the person to describe himself so they would know who to expect.Lt. D.J. Alvarez told the Galveston County Daily News that Lacour was arrested early Thursday when he arrived. Police confiscated a small amount of cocaine.

Ronald Majewski charged with trafficking in cocaine, possession with the intent to deliver cocaine

The driver, later identified as Ronald Majewski of Garnet Valley, Pa., was unable to provide a license but said he was a military police officer. The officers had the driver get out of the vehicle and asked whether he had any weapons. Majewski said no but admitted to having cocaine, police said. Officers found five bags of cocaine inside his coat pocket. A search of his car turned up another five bags, three Adderall pills, a digital scale and drug paraphernalia.Majewski was charged with trafficking in cocaine, possession with the intent to deliver cocaine, possession of drugs within 300 feet of a church, maintaining a vehicle for keeping a controlled substance, possession of a narcotic, possession of drug paraphernalia and traffic offenses. In addition, the team’s enforcement in Wilton netted 20 traffic tickets for various violations, 10 warnings and numerous crime prevention checks.

Ronald Majewski charged with trafficking in cocaine, possession with the intent to deliver cocaine

The driver, later identified as Ronald Majewski of Garnet Valley, Pa., was unable to provide a license but said he was a military police officer. The officers had the driver get out of the vehicle and asked whether he had any weapons. Majewski said no but admitted to having cocaine, police said. Officers found five bags of cocaine inside his coat pocket. A search of his car turned up another five bags, three Adderall pills, a digital scale and drug paraphernalia.Majewski was charged with trafficking in cocaine, possession with the intent to deliver cocaine, possession of drugs within 300 feet of a church, maintaining a vehicle for keeping a controlled substance, possession of a narcotic, possession of drug paraphernalia and traffic offenses. In addition, the team’s enforcement in Wilton netted 20 traffic tickets for various violations, 10 warnings and numerous crime prevention checks.

Delmas Lynn Pennix,charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Delmas Lynn Pennix, 25, of 544 Homemont Ave. — Pennix was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; selling or delivering cocaine; and conspiring to sell cocaine. He was being held under $20,000 bond.

Delmas Lynn Pennix,charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Delmas Lynn Pennix, 25, of 544 Homemont Ave. — Pennix was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; selling or delivering cocaine; and conspiring to sell cocaine. He was being held under $20,000 bond.

Ronald Norman Johnson charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Ronald Norman Johnson, 37, of 116 Torain St. — Ronald Johnson was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; and selling or delivering cocaine. He was being held under $15,000 bond.

Ronald Norman Johnson charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Ronald Norman Johnson, 37, of 116 Torain St. — Ronald Johnson was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; and selling or delivering cocaine. He was being held under $15,000 bond.

Dalleon Sherrod Johnson,charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Dalleon Sherrod Johnson, 21, of 610 Orange Height Loop Road — Dalleon Johnson was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; selling or delivering cocaine; and conspiring to sell cocaine. He was being held under $20,000 bond.

Dalleon Sherrod Johnson,charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Dalleon Sherrod Johnson, 21, of 610 Orange Height Loop Road — Dalleon Johnson was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; selling or delivering cocaine; and conspiring to sell cocaine. He was being held under $20,000 bond.

Quentin Lamar McAdoo charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Quentin Lamar McAdoo, 28, of 613 Locust Road — McAdoo was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; selling or delivering cocaine; and maintaining a vehicle for use or sale of controlled substances. He was being held under $20,000 bond.

Darren Lee Jackson,charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Darren Lee Jackson, 42, of 2111 Orange Grove Road — Jackson was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; and selling or delivering cocaine.

Quentin Lamar McAdoo charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Quentin Lamar McAdoo, 28, of 613 Locust Road — McAdoo was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; selling or delivering cocaine; and maintaining a vehicle for use or sale of controlled substances. He was being held under $20,000 bond.

Darren Lee Jackson,charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Darren Lee Jackson, 42, of 2111 Orange Grove Road — Jackson was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; and selling or delivering cocaine.

Joshua Lamar Carver,charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Joshua Lamar Carver, 22, of 417 Faucette Mill Road — Carver was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; simple possession of a Schedule II controlled substance; and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was being held under $5,000 bond.

Joshua Lamar Carver,charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Joshua Lamar Carver, 22, of 417 Faucette Mill Road — Carver was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; simple possession of a Schedule II controlled substance; and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was being held under $5,000 bond.

Joshua Lamar Carver,charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Joshua Lamar Carver, 22, of 417 Faucette Mill Road — Carver was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; simple possession of a Schedule II controlled substance; and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was being held under $5,000 bond.

Joshua Lamar Carver,charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Joshua Lamar Carver, 22, of 417 Faucette Mill Road — Carver was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; simple possession of a Schedule II controlled substance; and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was being held under $5,000 bond.

Demarray Deray Andrews,charged with two counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Demarray Deray Andrews, 22, of 570 Homemont Ave. — Andrews was charged with two counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; selling or delivering cocaine; and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was being held under $15,000 bond.

Demarray Deray Andrews,charged with two counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Demarray Deray Andrews, 22, of 570 Homemont Ave. — Andrews was charged with two counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; selling or delivering cocaine; and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was being held under $15,000 bond.

Gangster Disciples, a notorious Chicago street gang arrested 10 northwest suburban residents

The officials charges against the men were possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Police said several have connections to the Gangster Disciples, a notorious Chicago street gang. "These people face very severe criminal charges. This criminal behavior is not just limited to Chicago and middle-class America," Monroe said.
The men arrested were:
* Trevail "Tre" Banks, 26, of 1096 Stonehedge Drive, Schaumburg.
* Shannon "Shine" Bennet, 29, of 1040 E. 80th St., Chicago.
* Kenton Bradley, 33, of 5512 Montibello, Hanover Park.
* Robert Green, 41, of 808 Holyoke Court, Schaumburg.
* Randy Hamlette, 39, of 808 Holyoke Court, Schaumburg.
* Curly Mixon, 24, of 17 S. Porter, Elgin.
* Yuliet Nava, 24, of 334 Dundee Road, Elgin.
* Robert "Big Boy" Wasp, 37, of 1930 Oxford Court, Schaumburg.
* Frederick Woodson, 41, of 36 Grant Circle, Streamwood.
Named as fugitives were Trotter; Corey "Sug" Stewart, 34. of 371 Silva, and Curly Mixon, 24, of 17 S. Porter, both of Elgin. The Cook County State's Attorney also arrested Damien Beamon, of Elgin, with violating state drug laws. FBI arrested 10 northwest suburban residents Tuesday for allegedly operating a large-scale cocaine and crack ring, often doing business at Schaumburg's Woodfield Mall and Streets of Woodfield.
A national manhunt continues for three men also charged in the drug sweep.
Other police departments participating in the case were Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Elgin, Hanover Park, Roselle and Streamwood. Authorities said one drug transaction was recorded by law enforcement officials while a dealer's child practiced football at Veterans Park on Holmes Way and Knollwood Drive on Sept. 6, 2006. Another recorded drug deal was at Wise Hand Care Wash, 1811 W. Wise Road, Schaumburg, on July 5, 2007. On June 15, 2007, drug money was originally to be exchanged at Rainforest Cafe at Woodfield Mall, but then changed to a Mobile gas station at Algonquin and Meacham roads. FBI agent William Monroe said Robert Atkins, of 2229 Mayfair Ave., Westchester, was the lead buyer in the conspiracy. Atkins was the recent owner of Wise Hand Care Wash, and he still owns a Chicago recording studio named Krunch Tyme Entertainment. The three-year investigation resulted in several recorded phone conversations between the men talking about selling automatic weapons, beatings for owed drug money and drug deals going for $22,500 per kilogram.
On July 20, 2007, Vernial Trotter, 35, of 628 Hayward, Streamwood, was recorded talking to Atkins about a someone owing him money. "I'm gonna kill this boy, hell yeah," said Trotter, according to a transcript, to which Atkins allegedly replied, "No, don't kill him, just whoop his (expletive)." "Man, nah, hell no dude, I'm gonna try to choke this boy out," said Trotter, according to the transcript.
The investigation -- called Operation Sitt'n Ducks -- netted 8 kilograms of cocaine, valued at $200,000, said Monroe. He also said more than $100,000 in vehicles were seized. In the Veterans Park buy, the federal complaint stated Trotter told an informant to meet him at Nathan Hale School, 1300 W. Wise Road, Schaumburg, for the football practice, but it was changed to the park. The complaint also said Trotter's wife drove up and parked next to his vehicle and handed him a white plastic bag. Trotter gave the bag to the informant, and the contents later tested positive for 30.8 grams of cocaine and 29.6 grams of crack cocaine. The $1,300 drug buy was audio and video recorded, stated the federal complaint. Monroe said those arrested faced a prison sentence of 10 mandatory years to possible life. "This was a large arrest and another example of a cooperative efforts among law enforcement," said Richard Casler, chief of operations for Schaumburg police.

Gangster Disciples, a notorious Chicago street gang arrested 10 northwest suburban residents

The officials charges against the men were possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Police said several have connections to the Gangster Disciples, a notorious Chicago street gang. "These people face very severe criminal charges. This criminal behavior is not just limited to Chicago and middle-class America," Monroe said.
The men arrested were:
* Trevail "Tre" Banks, 26, of 1096 Stonehedge Drive, Schaumburg.
* Shannon "Shine" Bennet, 29, of 1040 E. 80th St., Chicago.
* Kenton Bradley, 33, of 5512 Montibello, Hanover Park.
* Robert Green, 41, of 808 Holyoke Court, Schaumburg.
* Randy Hamlette, 39, of 808 Holyoke Court, Schaumburg.
* Curly Mixon, 24, of 17 S. Porter, Elgin.
* Yuliet Nava, 24, of 334 Dundee Road, Elgin.
* Robert "Big Boy" Wasp, 37, of 1930 Oxford Court, Schaumburg.
* Frederick Woodson, 41, of 36 Grant Circle, Streamwood.
Named as fugitives were Trotter; Corey "Sug" Stewart, 34. of 371 Silva, and Curly Mixon, 24, of 17 S. Porter, both of Elgin. The Cook County State's Attorney also arrested Damien Beamon, of Elgin, with violating state drug laws. FBI arrested 10 northwest suburban residents Tuesday for allegedly operating a large-scale cocaine and crack ring, often doing business at Schaumburg's Woodfield Mall and Streets of Woodfield.
A national manhunt continues for three men also charged in the drug sweep.
Other police departments participating in the case were Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Elgin, Hanover Park, Roselle and Streamwood. Authorities said one drug transaction was recorded by law enforcement officials while a dealer's child practiced football at Veterans Park on Holmes Way and Knollwood Drive on Sept. 6, 2006. Another recorded drug deal was at Wise Hand Care Wash, 1811 W. Wise Road, Schaumburg, on July 5, 2007. On June 15, 2007, drug money was originally to be exchanged at Rainforest Cafe at Woodfield Mall, but then changed to a Mobile gas station at Algonquin and Meacham roads. FBI agent William Monroe said Robert Atkins, of 2229 Mayfair Ave., Westchester, was the lead buyer in the conspiracy. Atkins was the recent owner of Wise Hand Care Wash, and he still owns a Chicago recording studio named Krunch Tyme Entertainment. The three-year investigation resulted in several recorded phone conversations between the men talking about selling automatic weapons, beatings for owed drug money and drug deals going for $22,500 per kilogram.
On July 20, 2007, Vernial Trotter, 35, of 628 Hayward, Streamwood, was recorded talking to Atkins about a someone owing him money. "I'm gonna kill this boy, hell yeah," said Trotter, according to a transcript, to which Atkins allegedly replied, "No, don't kill him, just whoop his (expletive)." "Man, nah, hell no dude, I'm gonna try to choke this boy out," said Trotter, according to the transcript.
The investigation -- called Operation Sitt'n Ducks -- netted 8 kilograms of cocaine, valued at $200,000, said Monroe. He also said more than $100,000 in vehicles were seized. In the Veterans Park buy, the federal complaint stated Trotter told an informant to meet him at Nathan Hale School, 1300 W. Wise Road, Schaumburg, for the football practice, but it was changed to the park. The complaint also said Trotter's wife drove up and parked next to his vehicle and handed him a white plastic bag. Trotter gave the bag to the informant, and the contents later tested positive for 30.8 grams of cocaine and 29.6 grams of crack cocaine. The $1,300 drug buy was audio and video recorded, stated the federal complaint. Monroe said those arrested faced a prison sentence of 10 mandatory years to possible life. "This was a large arrest and another example of a cooperative efforts among law enforcement," said Richard Casler, chief of operations for Schaumburg police.

Noe Machado was stopped by customs officers for a random check as he went through the "Nothing to Declare" channel

Noe Machado was stopped by customs officers for a random check as he went through the "Nothing to Declare" channel at Edinburgh Airport with his wife and four children.But an x-ray of his luggage detected packages and a total of 16 kilos of the Class A drug were recovered - the biggest single haul of cocaine in the Lothian area.Machado was interviewed by detectives and Advocate depute Morag Jack said: "The accused indicated to police that the reason for the
trip to the UK was to celebrate his son's birthday." At the High Court in Edinburgh 40-year-old Machado admitted illegal importation and being concerned in the supply of the drug on November 10 this year.Machado's solicitor advocate, John Keenan, said Machado accepted he had been in possession of drugs but had "no idea of the value of the drugs involved". Lord Uist deferred sentence on Machado for the preparation of a background report but told him: "You should be in no doubt that crimes of this sort result in nothing other than a significant sentence.He added: "I take it the family group was really a cover for the transport of drugs."
He was remanded in custody for the preparation of a background report.

Noe Machado was stopped by customs officers for a random check as he went through the "Nothing to Declare" channel

Noe Machado was stopped by customs officers for a random check as he went through the "Nothing to Declare" channel at Edinburgh Airport with his wife and four children.But an x-ray of his luggage detected packages and a total of 16 kilos of the Class A drug were recovered - the biggest single haul of cocaine in the Lothian area.Machado was interviewed by detectives and Advocate depute Morag Jack said: "The accused indicated to police that the reason for the
trip to the UK was to celebrate his son's birthday." At the High Court in Edinburgh 40-year-old Machado admitted illegal importation and being concerned in the supply of the drug on November 10 this year.Machado's solicitor advocate, John Keenan, said Machado accepted he had been in possession of drugs but had "no idea of the value of the drugs involved". Lord Uist deferred sentence on Machado for the preparation of a background report but told him: "You should be in no doubt that crimes of this sort result in nothing other than a significant sentence.He added: "I take it the family group was really a cover for the transport of drugs."
He was remanded in custody for the preparation of a background report.

Mark Weston, 34, bought £115 of cocaine

Mark Weston, 34, bought £115 of cocaine after striking it lucky with his bet.But his luck ran out when police raided a house in Erskine Road, Hartlepool, the very same day and found the drugs.Weston, of Glamis Walk, Hartlepool, admitted one charge of possessing a class A drug on March 18.Patricia Mancina, prosecuting at Teesside Crown Court, said police recovered 9.5 grams of cocaine with an extimated value of between £379 and £474.She told the court: "He and his partner were there and when asked if there were any illegal substances he handed to police seven bags of white powder."In interview he said he had bought it that day for £115 and it was for his own use."He had treated himself because he had had a gambling win that day."Paul Cleasby, mitigating, told the court how Weston was battling to overcome a drug addiction and was on prescribed methadone.He said: "He admitted to police that the cocaine was his and co-operated with police during the search of the premises.
"For many years he has struggled with an addiction to heroin."He is now on prescribed medication to try and wean himself off drugs."The probation service is anxious to address his thinking about illegal drugs. They are keen for him to complete an offending programme."Weston was given a six month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, and an 18 month community order with supervision.
Judge Peter Bowers told him: "I appreciate you have been trying hard to rid yourself of your habit."Methadone is possibly helping you. But that does not excuse you taking on cocaine as an additive to your methadone."This sentence is meant to be a reminder to you that unless you get your act sorted out you are going to end up in prison."

Mark Weston, 34, bought £115 of cocaine

Mark Weston, 34, bought £115 of cocaine after striking it lucky with his bet.But his luck ran out when police raided a house in Erskine Road, Hartlepool, the very same day and found the drugs.Weston, of Glamis Walk, Hartlepool, admitted one charge of possessing a class A drug on March 18.Patricia Mancina, prosecuting at Teesside Crown Court, said police recovered 9.5 grams of cocaine with an extimated value of between £379 and £474.She told the court: "He and his partner were there and when asked if there were any illegal substances he handed to police seven bags of white powder."In interview he said he had bought it that day for £115 and it was for his own use."He had treated himself because he had had a gambling win that day."Paul Cleasby, mitigating, told the court how Weston was battling to overcome a drug addiction and was on prescribed methadone.He said: "He admitted to police that the cocaine was his and co-operated with police during the search of the premises.
"For many years he has struggled with an addiction to heroin."He is now on prescribed medication to try and wean himself off drugs."The probation service is anxious to address his thinking about illegal drugs. They are keen for him to complete an offending programme."Weston was given a six month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, and an 18 month community order with supervision.
Judge Peter Bowers told him: "I appreciate you have been trying hard to rid yourself of your habit."Methadone is possibly helping you. But that does not excuse you taking on cocaine as an additive to your methadone."This sentence is meant to be a reminder to you that unless you get your act sorted out you are going to end up in prison."

Jamie Tindall’s mobile phone was examined after he was arrested in a raid on a house on Brinewells Green, Middlesbrough

Jamie Tindall’s mobile phone was examined after he was arrested in a raid on a house on Brinewells Green, Middlesbrough on March 28 last year.Officers found text messages indicating dealing in cocaine, Ecstasy and cannabis, prosecutor Christopher Attwooll told Teesside Crown Court. One said: “You fancy bringing up some sniff?”
In the messages, Tindall was asked: “Do you sell drugs?” He replied: “Oh yes.” He was told: “Bit daft when you get caught.” To which he responded: “Chance you take.”
Tindall, 20, also texted: “I am in my prime making money.”A bag of 15 cocaine rocks, worth about £320, was discarded during the police search, the court heard. Months later Tindall was caught with a cocaine wrap. He was bailed, absconded and arrested again, this time in possession of cannabis.Tindall, of Hartington Road, Stockton, admitted being concerned in making offers to supply the Class A and C drugs, possession charges and failing to attend court. He had no previous drugs crimes.Christopher Dunn, defending, said Tindall was very intelligent and could have done much with his life. But he was “thwarted” by a significant stammer, for which he was bullied at school and attacked in custody. Drug use “numbed the pain of blocked opportunity” and led him into the drug culture, he said.Tindall supplied skunk cannabis to friends, was asked to supply Ecstasy, used cocaine and supplied friends from his “personal stock”. Mr Dunn said: “His motivation was not a commercial one.”
Regarding the texts, he added: “He’s trying to big himself up. It’s quite clear this man has got nothing. He was living in a caravan in somebody’s drive.”Judge Peter Fox QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough told Tindall: “I must take at face value what was described on your mobile telephone. Were you an older man I would be giving you four or five years.”Given Tindall’s youth, the judge locked him up for three-and-a-half years.

Jamie Tindall’s mobile phone was examined after he was arrested in a raid on a house on Brinewells Green, Middlesbrough

Jamie Tindall’s mobile phone was examined after he was arrested in a raid on a house on Brinewells Green, Middlesbrough on March 28 last year.Officers found text messages indicating dealing in cocaine, Ecstasy and cannabis, prosecutor Christopher Attwooll told Teesside Crown Court. One said: “You fancy bringing up some sniff?”
In the messages, Tindall was asked: “Do you sell drugs?” He replied: “Oh yes.” He was told: “Bit daft when you get caught.” To which he responded: “Chance you take.”
Tindall, 20, also texted: “I am in my prime making money.”A bag of 15 cocaine rocks, worth about £320, was discarded during the police search, the court heard. Months later Tindall was caught with a cocaine wrap. He was bailed, absconded and arrested again, this time in possession of cannabis.Tindall, of Hartington Road, Stockton, admitted being concerned in making offers to supply the Class A and C drugs, possession charges and failing to attend court. He had no previous drugs crimes.Christopher Dunn, defending, said Tindall was very intelligent and could have done much with his life. But he was “thwarted” by a significant stammer, for which he was bullied at school and attacked in custody. Drug use “numbed the pain of blocked opportunity” and led him into the drug culture, he said.Tindall supplied skunk cannabis to friends, was asked to supply Ecstasy, used cocaine and supplied friends from his “personal stock”. Mr Dunn said: “His motivation was not a commercial one.”
Regarding the texts, he added: “He’s trying to big himself up. It’s quite clear this man has got nothing. He was living in a caravan in somebody’s drive.”Judge Peter Fox QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough told Tindall: “I must take at face value what was described on your mobile telephone. Were you an older man I would be giving you four or five years.”Given Tindall’s youth, the judge locked him up for three-and-a-half years.

Michelle Robinson, 35, was allowed to walk out of Teesside Crown Court today after pleading guilty to producing cannabis at her Hartlepool home.

Michelle Robinson, 35, was allowed to walk out of Teesside Crown Court today after pleading guilty to producing cannabis at her Hartlepool home. "Had this been a commercial operation, I'm afraid you would have been going away for some considerable time."Judge Tony BriggsProsecutor Sharon Elves told the court that the mother-of-three had suffered polio as a toddler and had resorted to using the illegal drug to combat the pain. She said police raided her home in West View Road in the town in May, and found four bags of cannabis bush in the property, along with a sophisticated drug farm in an out-house in the garden, which contained 41 plants.
The court was told she had got sick of using street dealers to buy the drug, so decided to grow her own. She applied to a bank for a car loan and used the cash to have the out-house built. She then sent abroad for the cannabis seeds and began cultivating it herself, purely for her own use. The specialist lighting and ventilation system required for the plants to grow ran up a quarterly electricity bill of £1,000, however, Ms Robinson obtained the power legally and paid the bill herself. "She contracted polio at two and by the age of 18 she started using cannabis to relieve the symptoms," said Ms Elves. "She was unwilling to frequent dealers." In her defence, lawyer Annelise Haugstad said the drugs were purely for her own use and said the circumstances of the case were not usual for people growing cannabis plants. She said Ms Robinson rarely left the house and was allergic to a number of pain killers, so had resorted to producing the cannabis plants. Judge Tony Briggs said it was a sad case and said it was rare for people who cultivated cannabis plants to obtain the electricity legally and then pay the bill. "It's very unfortunate to see someone in your position in Crown Court," he said. "However, I see your medical history is unusual," he said. He handed down an 18 month community order, with 18 months supervision. He added: "Had this been a commercial operation, I'm afraid you would have been going away for some considerable time." He ordered the plants be destroyed.

Michelle Robinson, 35, was allowed to walk out of Teesside Crown Court today after pleading guilty to producing cannabis at her Hartlepool home.

Michelle Robinson, 35, was allowed to walk out of Teesside Crown Court today after pleading guilty to producing cannabis at her Hartlepool home. "Had this been a commercial operation, I'm afraid you would have been going away for some considerable time."Judge Tony BriggsProsecutor Sharon Elves told the court that the mother-of-three had suffered polio as a toddler and had resorted to using the illegal drug to combat the pain. She said police raided her home in West View Road in the town in May, and found four bags of cannabis bush in the property, along with a sophisticated drug farm in an out-house in the garden, which contained 41 plants.
The court was told she had got sick of using street dealers to buy the drug, so decided to grow her own. She applied to a bank for a car loan and used the cash to have the out-house built. She then sent abroad for the cannabis seeds and began cultivating it herself, purely for her own use. The specialist lighting and ventilation system required for the plants to grow ran up a quarterly electricity bill of £1,000, however, Ms Robinson obtained the power legally and paid the bill herself. "She contracted polio at two and by the age of 18 she started using cannabis to relieve the symptoms," said Ms Elves. "She was unwilling to frequent dealers." In her defence, lawyer Annelise Haugstad said the drugs were purely for her own use and said the circumstances of the case were not usual for people growing cannabis plants. She said Ms Robinson rarely left the house and was allergic to a number of pain killers, so had resorted to producing the cannabis plants. Judge Tony Briggs said it was a sad case and said it was rare for people who cultivated cannabis plants to obtain the electricity legally and then pay the bill. "It's very unfortunate to see someone in your position in Crown Court," he said. "However, I see your medical history is unusual," he said. He handed down an 18 month community order, with 18 months supervision. He added: "Had this been a commercial operation, I'm afraid you would have been going away for some considerable time." He ordered the plants be destroyed.

Luis Y. Vazquez, 23, of Victory Gardens faces $150,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine

Luis Y. Vazquez, 23, of Victory Gardens faces $150,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce).

Luis Y. Vazquez, 23, of Victory Gardens faces $150,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine

Luis Y. Vazquez, 23, of Victory Gardens faces $150,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce).

Gelin Suarez-Lorenzo, 57, of Dover faces $100,000 bail on charges of: two-counts each of possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute

Gelin Suarez-Lorenzo, 57, of Dover faces $100,000 bail on charges of: two-counts each of possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce) and possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce).

Gelin Suarez-Lorenzo, 57, of Dover faces $100,000 bail on charges of: two-counts each of possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute

Gelin Suarez-Lorenzo, 57, of Dover faces $100,000 bail on charges of: two-counts each of possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce) and possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce).

Anthony Rispoli, 21, who was already lodged in the Morris County jail, faces an additional $50,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine

Anthony Rispoli, 21, who was already lodged in the Morris County jail, faces an additional $50,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce).

Raymond David Rosario-Colon, 25, of Dover faces $150,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine

Raymond David Rosario-Colon, 25, of Dover faces $150,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce), third-degree possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine within 1,000 feet of school zone, conspiracy to distribute cocaine within 1,000 feet of school zone, distribution of cocaine within 500 feet of public park, conspiracy to possess to distribute within 500 feet of public park.

Anthony Rispoli, 21, who was already lodged in the Morris County jail, faces an additional $50,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine

Anthony Rispoli, 21, who was already lodged in the Morris County jail, faces an additional $50,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce).

Raymond David Rosario-Colon, 25, of Dover faces $150,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine

Raymond David Rosario-Colon, 25, of Dover faces $150,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce), third-degree possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine within 1,000 feet of school zone, conspiracy to distribute cocaine within 1,000 feet of school zone, distribution of cocaine within 500 feet of public park, conspiracy to possess to distribute within 500 feet of public park.