On Oct. 27, a combined force of local police agencies executed search warrants on three residences on Kavanaugh Road in Mechanicsville, that resulted in 113.4 grams of crack-cocaine seized.
While the raids were occurring, police conducted a “reversal operation” at another location, in which undercover officers posed as street-level dealers. 18 people purchased the officers’ fake crack and were arrested.
The warrants were obtained as the result of a two month investigation into the sale of crack at the Mechanicsville location. The search of the property resulted in the recovery of 113.4 grams of crack cocaine (street value $11,400), five firearms and $15,405 in cash. Numerous stolen items were recovered, including power tools and an all terrain vehicle, police say.
As a result of the search, the following four persons were arrested:
William Charles Toye, 40, Mechanicsville
Francis Victoria Chase, 53, Mechanicsville
Juwaan M. Carroll, 20, Lexington Park
Travis L Butler, 24, Mechanicsville
Several persons are being sought in connection with the ongoing investigation and additional arrests are anticipated in the coming weeks.
During the “reversal operation”, the following persons were arrested and charged with purchasing a non-controlled substance which was believed to be Crack Cocaine:
Earl J. Gunn Jr, 44,Waldorf
Charles E. Countiss, 42, Mechanicsville
Joseph H. Hanna, 38, Waldorf
Renee M. Hanna, 36, Mechanicsville
Terri K. Bidne, 49, Chaptico
Eric A. Veney, 36, California
John A. Winchester, 53, no fixed address
Gary A. Edinger, 49, Mechanicsville
Anthony C. Mason, 46, Leonardtown
Edward S. Brown, 39, Chaptico
Thresher V. Lamotte, 39, Hollywood
Bonnie J. Gibson, 38, Lusby
Thomas D. Chayka, 31, Lexington Park
Richard L. Summers Jr, 37, Mechanicsville
Victoria C. Berkshire, 25, Leonardtown
Jack H. Culp, 46, Mechanicsville
Gary L. Hamlet, 47, Leonardtown
Barbara L. Varner-Hampton, 27, Prince Frederick
The operation was spearheaded by the St Mary’s County Bureau of Criminal Investigations Drug Unit, with assistance from BCI Detectives, Maryland State Police Patrol Division, Maryland State Police Drug Enforcement Division, St Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, St. Mary’s and Calvert County Emergency Services Team and the St. Mary’s County Animal Control Officers.
St. Mary’s County Animal Control Officers were forced to respond due to the poor living conditions that more than a dozen dogs were exposed too. Both live and deceased animals were removed from the premises and animal cruelty charges are pending a State’s Attorney’s Office Review.