MARTINSVILLE, Va. – UPDATE
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office has released more information about the multi-jurisdiction drug operation.
We’re told multiple search warrants and arrest warrants were issued as a result of the operation, involving the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the Martinsville Police Department, and the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office.
On Oct. 3, authorities said they participated in a simultaneous execution of warrants across Southside.
While the search warrants were being executed, deputies seized the following items, the sheriff’s office said:
- Pills,
- Suspected methamphetamine,
- Suspected Fentanyl,
- Marijuana plans,
- Psilocybin Mushrooms,
- Cash,
- Five illegally-possessed firearms
- Seven vehicles,
- Several real estate properties.
As a result of the operation, six people were arrested, authorities said:
- Patricia Cox-Ingram, 25, of Martinsville
- Money Laundering
- Racketeering
- Distribute 100 grams of Methamphetamine (X2)
- Distribute Cocaine 3rd Offense
- Endanger Life of a Child (X2)
- Conspiracy to Distribute 100 grams of Methamphetamine (X2)
- Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Waylon Cox-Ingram, 38, of Martinsville
- Money Laundering
- Racketeering
- Distribute 100 grams of Methamphetamine (X2)
- Distribute Cocaine 3rd Offense
- Endanger Life of a Child (X2)
- Conspiracy to Distribute 100 grams of Methamphetamine (X2)
- Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Quincy Penn, 47, of Martinsville
- Money Laundering
- Racketeering
- Distribution of Fentanyl
Three others were arrested on charges of money laundering and racketeering, according to the Sheriff.
The investigation is ongoing, and several more warrants will be issued soon, authorities said.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (276) 638-8751 or Crimestoppers at 63-CRIME (632-7463).
ORIGINAL STORY
Southside authorities joined together Tuesday afternoon to release information about multi-jurisdiction drug operations.
Authorities said numerous search warrants have been executed in Henry County and Martinsville, and multiple people have been arrested in what they’re calling a large-scale operation.
After months of investigating, authorities have arrested six people on a variety of charges, including for the first time locally, charges of RICO – or Racketeer-Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.
Several repeat offenders were also taken into custody, along with members of one multi-generational drug family.
Money and drugs were also seized as a result of the effort.
During the news conference, authorities said three other searches were taking place.
Sheriff Wayne Davis said they are taking back their community from the influence of drugs.
“These people that we’ve arrested today, are responsible for the death and destruction of our community members. These poison peddlers have sold drugs that have destroyed our family and our friends, and they have profited off of those who suffer from addiction, and that stops today,” he said.
Members of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Martinsville Police Department, Patrick County Sheriff’s Office, and the Henry County Commomwealth’s Attorney were in attendance.