Nearly 30 charged in N. Augusta bust
After a two-month-long investigation, state and local law enforcement officers took over a North Augusta home where they began posing as drug dealers and over the weekend busted more than two dozen men and women, officials said.
At 5:30 a.m. Friday, investigators served a search warrant at a home at 155 Kip Road, which they then used to make reverse sales from, resulting in the majority of arrests, said Lt. Michael Frank. an Aiken County Sheriff's Office spokesperson.
He explained that the sheriff's office initially received calls from neighbors who complained that, at times, there had been as many as 100 cars coming and going from the Kip Road home. The deputies launched an investigation which culminated over the weekend, the lieutenant added.
The undercover narcotics officers began selling the phony drugs from the home and then making arrests, he explained.
The Aiken Department of Public Safety, Hampton County Sheriff's Department, Lexington County Sheriff's Department and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division participated in the investigation.
Carlos L. Hazel, 23, of 155 Kip Road in North Augusta, is charged with five counts of distribution of crack cocaine and five counts of distribution of crack cocaine within a half-mile of school.
Anthony T. Perry, 23, of 2029 Celeste Circle in North Augusta, is charged with possession of crack cocaine.
James R. Rivers III, 49, of 207 Five Notch Road in North Augusta, is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Christopher C. Veal, 36, of 1760 Womrath Road in North Augusta, is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Anthony C. Nelson, 38, of 321 Clay Court in North Augusta, is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and fraudulent check.
David Williams Jr., 51, of 526 Kemp Lane in North Augusta, is charged with possession of crack cocaine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Timothy Wright, 44, of 4324 Creekview Drive in Hephzibah, Ga., is charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Melanie T. Rhine, 44, of 204 Piedmont Avenue in Belvedere, is charged with attempt to possess a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and a family court bench warrant.
Efrem L. Nipper, 40, of 13 Jacob McKie Road in Trenton, is charged with attempt to possess a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Wanda E. Malone, 43, of 405 Audubon Circle in Belvedere, is charged with attempt to possess a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Gregory J. Mays, 40, of 206 Clairmont Avenue in North Augusta, is charged with open container.
Charles W. Mays, 40, of 1012 Dugas Street in Augusta, is charged with attempt to possess a controlled substance.
Donald W. Brock, 34, of 438 Old Walden Wells Road in North Augusta., is charged with attempt to possess a controlled substance.
Janet S. Hall, 59, of 310-A Verdery Drive in North Augusta, is charged with attempt to possess a controlled substance.
Ricky L. Hill, 34, of 16 Castlida Drive in North Augusta, is charged with attempt to possess a controlled substance.
John H. Walker, 49, of 715 Mt. Zion Road in Trenton, is charged with attempt to possess a controlled substance.
Melvin Walker, of 8049 Justee Lane in Trenton is charged with attempt to possess a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under suspension.
Elroy L. Smith, of 42, 524 Sunrise Court in North Augusta, is charged with attempt to possess a controlled substance and driving under suspension.
Eugene L. Moseley, 44, of 126 Elder Street in North Augusta, is charged with attempt to possess a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and fraudulent check.
Latoya L. Dixon, 20, of 412 Ridge Road in North Augusta, is charged with attempt to possess a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Diego A. Davis, 34, of 2121 Boykin Road in Augusta, is charged with attempt to possess a controlled substance, unlawful conduct toward a child and child restraint.
Lashonda D. Johnson, 29, of 644 Seymore Court in North Augusta, is charged with unlawful conduct toward a child and child restraint.
Ronnie J. Burton, 32, of 155 Greenland Drive in North Augusta, is charged with attempt to possess a controlled substance
Ashley Williams, 23, of 131 Cooper Loop Lane in North Augusta, is charged with three counts of shoplifting and gas drive-off.
Cletus D. Stamper, 39, of 65 Rock Creek Drive in Trenton, is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and open container.
Samuel L. Dillard III, 21, of 2241 Edgefield Highway in Aiken, is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and open container.
Fawn M. Myers, 44, of 634 Hutchinson Drive in North Augusta, is charged with 22 counts of fraudulent check.
Willie L. McCorkle, 60, of 1022 Beechdale Drive in Beech Island, is charged with two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com