Walterboro Public Safety arrests 13 in drug sweep
Broad investigation leads to total of 16 federal indictments for “conspiracy to distribute cocaine”
Walterboro, S.C. – The Walterboro Public Safety’s Drug Crimes Unit, assisted by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the Summerville/Dorchester Metro Unit wrapped up a yearlong narcotics investigation this week. A single drug arrest by Walterboro Public Safety prompted a multi-county, multi-agency narcotics investigation that led to a total of 16 arrests.
The investigation resulted in all sixteen being federally indicted on Conspiracy to Trafficking Cocaine charges. Thirteen of the indictments were issued for residents of Colleton County residents, five of whom live within City of Walterboro limits.
“Our officers continue to do outstanding work. The commitment that City Council has made to ensure public safety remains strong as we continue to implement the practices and policies that have resulted in such great success over the last several years,” said Bill Young, Mayor of the City of Walterboro.
On Tuesday, Walterboro Public Safety Officers and agents from participating agencies arrested all thirteen Walterboro area defendants in one organized sweep. Three other defendants have also been arrested by the DEA. All defendants are currently being held and are awaiting bond hearings.
”We are proud of the work that our office and the other agencies did to help get these criminals off the streets. We won’t tolerate these actions in Walterboro, and we believe that word is getting out louder and louder with each arrest,” said Otis L. Rhodes, Chief of Walterboro Public Safety.
The defendants who were arrested, along with age and general area of residence are:
Defendants:
1. Martin Louis Ballard, 30 years old of Summerville
2. Ivory James Brothers, 31 years old of Walterboro
3. Bryant Davis, 39 years old of Walterboro
4. Jonathan Junior Edwards, 31 years old of Round O
5. Gerwron Lavar Lingard, 34 years old of Walterboro
6. Joey Charles, 27 years old of Walterboro
7. Tiffany Elliott, 31 years old of Walterboro
8. Edward Bryant, 43 years old of Walterboro
9. Rocky Creel, 29 years old of Cottageville
10. Paul Steve Braxton, 37 years old of Walterboro
11. Kyedrick Leon Edwards, 26 years old of Walterboro
12. Charles Henry Youmans, 31 years old of Walterboro
13. Jerry K Rivers, 29 years old of Walterboro
14. Elijah Dewayne Deal. 30 years old of Walterboro
15. Yvette Renee Calvin, 47 years old of Goose Creek
16. Norman Robinson Jr, 26 years old of Summerville
No further information was available at this time, due to the ongoing investigation. Additional information may be available through Drug Enforcement Administration in Charleston at 843-308-6660.
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