Operation Pine Tree Nets Four Felony Drug Arrest
October 16, 2006
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On Thursday, October 12th 2006, The Wayne County Sheriff’s Department concluded a lengthy drug investigation dubbed "Operation Pine Tree" by Sheriff John Stein Farrior. The National Guard Counter-Drug Task Force and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife worked with the Sheriff’s Department on this case. Those arrested in this investigation are Anthony Bernard McLaughlin a/k/a Kojak. Jerico Martize McLaughlin, and Jermaine Shatez McLaughlin all of New Saint Paul Church Drive.. Their specific charges are listed below.
A tremendous amount of man hours has been invested in this operation and it paid off well. "Chief Deputy Gerald Barnett, Investigator Mike Mozingo, and Deputy Johnny Smith were very instrumental in working long and tedious hours with the National Guard Counter-Drug Task Force gathering valuable information and evidence to obtain a search warrant", said Sheriff Farrior. These drug violators are not average street corner drug dealers as the amount of drugs discovered shows just that.
There was a total of approximately 7.5 pounds of powder cocaine; 22 grams of crack cocaine; 340 grams of marijuana; 700 ecstacy tablets; measuring scales and other paraphernalia commonly used in drug distribution, confiscated in the operation. Approximately $6,166.00 in cash money was seized along with a Chevrolet Tahoe and Jaguar automobile, a Suzuki motorcycle, 12 firearms, a computer, and other items suspected to be connected to the drug operation.
An initial inquiry has indicated that none of the firearms have been listed as stolen, however; we will be conducting an ATF Firearms Tracking on each of the firearms which will indicate the original purchaser. This process will take four to six weeks.
Wayne County Justice Court Judge conducted an Initial Appearance on Friday and all three were granted a bond. The case remains under investigation and is scheduled to be presented to the January 8th 2007, Wayne County Grand Jury.
Anthony Bernard McLaughlin a/k/a Kojak
Possession of ecstacy with intent to distribute within 1500 ft of a church while in possession of a firearm bond $50,000.00; Possession of more than 1 ounce of marijuana with intent to distribute within 1500 ft of a church bond $50,000.00; Possession of powder cocaine with intent to distribute within 1500 ft of a church bond $50,000.00.
Jermaine Shatez McLaughlin
Possession of powder cocaine with intent to distribute within 1500 ft of a church bond $40,000.00; Possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute within 1500 ft of a church bond $40,000.00; Possession of more than 1 ounce of marijuana with intent to distribute within 1500 ft of a church bond $40,000.00; Possession of ecstacy with intent to distribute within 1500 ft of a church bond $40,000.00; & 3 counts of sale of crack cocaine within 1500 ft of a church bond $280,000.00 each.
Jerico Martize McLaughlin
Possssion of crack cocaine within 1500 ft of a church while in possession of a firearm bond $30,000.00; & Simple assault on law enforcement officer bond $10,000.00.
Joe Lewis Felps
Possession of crack cocaine bond $40,000.00.
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