Suspect photos and charges added.
Deputies arrested 20 suspects Dec. 16 in a broad sweep in what the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office named Operation Nutcracker.
The “crime suppression warrant roundup” was designed to reduce criminal activity during the Christmas holiday season, Sheriff Bill Rogers said in a press release. Property crimes and drug activity typically rise during the holidays, when people are away from home. A high percentage of property crime is tied directly to drug use and sales.
Operation Nutcracker was a joint operation led by the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) and Vice Narcotics Detectives, with support from the Heavy Action Enforcement Team (H.E.A.T.) and the Patrol Division.
“With the holiday season in full swing, this operation aimed to ensure a safe and crime-free Christmas and holiday season for the citizens of Columbus County,” Rogers said in a press release. “These arrests represent the culmination of weeks of investigative work and strategic planning by our dedicated deputies and detectives.
“The safety and well-being of our community remain our top priority. ‘Operation Nutcracker’ demonstrates our unwavering commitment to removing illegal drugs from our streets and preventing property thefts that often fund criminal enterprises. This operation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of every member of our Sheriff’s Office. We want to ensure that our citizens feel safe and secure as they celebrate this holiday season.”
The sweep highlighted the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office’s continued focus on proactive crime prevention and community safety, Rogers said.
“The Sheriff’s Office is proud to stand united against criminal activity and remains dedicated to fostering a safer environment for all residents.”
Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity to the sheriff’s office. Anonymous tips may be made using the sheriff’s office app, which is available for free from Google or the Apple Store.
Arrested were:
Please see the following for the list of individuals arrested during “Operation Nutcracker” listing age, address, and list of charges:
Courtney Amber Walker, 34, 615 Tommy Wooten Rd., Chadbourn. Felony possession methamphetamine.
Brandon Terrel Spears, 39, 960 Red Bug Rd, Hallsboro. Trafficking in Methamphetamine, sell methamphetamine, maintain Veh/Dwell/Place CS.
Julia Rebecca Jordan, 42, 22 Bradford Lane, Whiteville. PWIMSD heroin, felony cocaine, maintain veh/dwell/place for drug activity. Misdemeanor carrying concealed gun and drug paraphernalia.
Amanda Register McPherson, 41, 71 Peachtree St., Whiteville. Felony possession cocaine.
Jonathan Dewayne Gore, 35, 305 Fair Bluff Rd., Tabor City. Trafficking cocaine.
Megan Montana Malpass, 24, 22405 Andrew Jackson Hwy. East, Bolton. Felony PWIMSD methamphetamine, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
Marcus Ray Schmidt, 27, 124 Powell Lane, Delco. Felony manufacture marijuana, PWIMSD marijuana, misdemeanor drug paraphernalia.
Morris Marcus Schmitt III, 58, 124 Powell Lane, Delco. Felony manufacture marijuana, felony PWIMSD marijuana, felony maintain veh/dwell/place CS, misdemeanor possess drug paraphernalia.
James Jeremy Little, 45, 610 N. J.K. Powell Blvd Apt 2, Whiteville. Six felony trafficking methamphetamine, three counts each of maintain veh/dwell/place for drug activity, sale of methamphetamine, and manufacture, sell or deliver drugs within 1,000 ft. of a school, delivery of methamphetamine, and misdemeanor possess drug paraphernalia.
Derek Gregory Alexander, 23, 374 Seven Creeks Highway, Whiteville. Felony larceny.
Thomas Bradley Blackwell, 56, 4499 Old Pine Log Road, Chadbourn. Felony larceny and possession of stolen property.
Cody Ray Jernigan, 28, male, 1236 Cedar Grove Church Rd., Cerro Gordo. Possession of a weapon of mass destruction.
Roger Odell Richardson, 55, 2402 Old 74, Chadbourn. Felony possession of stolen property
John Warren Richardson, 51, 2402 Old 74 Hwy, Chadbourn. Felony possession stolen property
Joshua Allyn Priest, 46, 3971 Pleasant Plains Church Rd., Whiteville. Felony possession stolen property.
Chris Laverne Posey, 55, 300 Maple Lane, Whiteville. Felony possession stolen property.
Khalil Rashawn Soles, 29, 860 Miller Rd., Tabor City. Felony possession stolen firearm.
Raymond Timothy Warren, 33, 356 Seven Creeks Hwy., Whiteville. Possession of stolen vehicle.
Garrick Nicholas Ward, 44, 1440 Ransey Ford Road, Nakina. Felony aid and abet, felony failure to appear.
Henry Junior Barfield, 52, 705 West Virgil St., Whiteville. Felony sale and delivery of narcotics, manufacture, sell and deliver drugs within 1000 ft. of school.
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