The Department of Justice’s Middle District of North Carolina has just announced a sweeping indictment of 38 individuals in connection with a major drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
Announced by U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Hairston, the charges include 27 individuals from North Carolina and reflect a broader federal effort to dismantle drug networks. Defendants face life imprisonment for narcotics distribution conspiracy and up to 20 years for money laundering charges.
38 Charged in Alleged Drug Trafficking Conspiracy https://t.co/vGBVLDb8X8
— US Attorney MDNC (@USAO_MDNC) December 10, 2024
The investigation was conducted under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), involving collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Individuals Charged:
- Nicholas Tyler Curry, Mount Gilead, NC
- Emmanuel Martimiano Leon-Soto, Naco, Mexico
- Jimmy Mendoza Arenas, Phoenix, AZ
- Crandall Ortais Ingram, High Point, NC
- Kelly Emanuel Harrington, Jr., Candor, NC
- Erick Lemar Pollard, Candor, NC
- Jerry McClure, Jr., Winston-Salem, NC
- Anthony Okurtis Rashad Lloyd, High Point, NC
- Christopher Trelonnie Everette, Candor, NC
- Damon Lee Ingram, Candor, NC
- Trent Dashun Starnes, Mount Gilead, NC
- Carmen Valenzuela, Glendale, AZ
- Ivangianni Valenzuela Gonzalez, Glendale, AZ
- Ray Cozart, Jr., Jackson Springs, NC
- Sammy Soqui, Tucson, AZ
- Bernard Esquire Cain, Winston-Salem, NC
- Abel Gebrehiwet Zeratsion, Winston-Salem, NC
- Nikonda Taye Ingram, High Point, NC
- Charles Eugene Robbins, Phoenix, AZ
- Adan Villareal-Grajeda, Phoenix, AZ
- Jorge Antonio Lopez-Valdez, Glendale, AZ
- Lewis Rondez Pratt, Candor, NC
- Adrian Devon Hill, Lenoir, NC
- Precious Sequila Herron, Tucson, AZ
- Shaina Aleah Hunt, Fairmont, NC
- Scottie Perett Stanback, Jackson Springs, NC
- Ahmad Rashaun Saunders, Winston-Salem, NC
- Corneillous Deonte Staley, Ellerbe, NC
- Saniyah Jenay McCorkle, Cherryville, NC
- Amya Kyonna Gordon, Mount Gilead, NC
- Katey Ann Lamonds, Mount Gilead, NC
- German Lopez-Gomez, Phoenix, AZ
- Xavier Fabrice Ellis, Jackson Springs, NC
- Camarius Kison Phillips, Candor, NC
- Cody Anthony Curry, Tucson, AZ
- Terell Myhiem Baldwin, Troy, NC
- Michael William Curtis, Archdale, NC
- Justin Rand Allen, Candor, NC
The investigation revealed widespread distribution of illegal drugs and underscores the urgency of addressing fentanyl’s devastating impact.
The arrests coincide with data showing a 30% reduction in overdose deaths in North Carolina over the past year. Our state recently changed several laws related to opioid overdoses to help curb the epidemic, including changing Naloxone (opioid overdose suppressant) from prescription to ‘over the counter’, as well as implementing a new ‘Good Samaritan Law’.
The law essentially protects people who administer Naloxone to someone who has overdosed from any liability.
The following are common signs of an opioid-related overdose;
- Small pupils
- Pale face
- Limp body
- Shallow or slowed breathing
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
If you know anyone who might use heroin or any other opioids, please pick up some Naloxone from your local pharmacist and keep it handy – you never know when it might save someone’s life.
