Narcotics investigation leads to five arrests

A five-month-long narcotics investigation culminated with the arrest of five men on multiple drug charges, officials said Friday.

Other arrests are pending, said Capt. Troy Elwell, an Aiken County Sheriff’s Office spokesman.

Based on information obtained during the course of the investigation, two search warrants were obtained for two separate residences, located less than a mile apart.

Both search warrants were executed simultaneously, one by the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office SWAT and the other with the assistance of North Augusta Public Safety’s SWAT.

Three firearms and approximately 1½ pounds of marijuana and half an ounce of cocaine were seized.

The drugs have an estimated street value of $2,000, Elwell said.

“This is a direct result of the alliance that has been built between the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, the North Augusta Department of Public Safety and the citizens of Aiken County,” stated Sheriff Michael Hunt in a written press release.

The two residences searched are located at 571 Samuels St. in Belvedere and 629 Celeste Ave. in North Augusta, Elwell said.

Darian Zabriel Davis, 19, of 629 Celeste Ave., is charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession with intent to distribute marijuana within a half-mile of a school.

Devon Cordell Davis, 20, of 629 Celeste Ave., is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine within a half-mile of a school, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession with intent to distribute marijuana within a half-mile of a school.

Daniel Rashad Lovett, 22, of 39 Barton Road in Trenton, is charged with possession of marijuana, less than 28 grams.

Avis Jeremy Simpkins, 25, of 571 Samuels St., is charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession with intent to distribute marijuana within a half-mile of a school and was served an active bench warrant

for littering.

Isaac Thomas Williams, 31, also of 571 Samuels St., is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine third offense, possession with intent to distribute cocaine within a half-mile a school third offense and possession of marijuana, less than 28 grams.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office at (800) 922-9709 or CrimeStoppers of Midland at (888) CRIME-SC. Callers may remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of between $50 and $1,000.

Karen Daily, a graduate of USC, has been the crime reporter at the Aiken Standard for seven years. She has reported here since 2001.