Surveillance of suspected drug activity in several communities have led to a number of narcotics arrests in recent weeks, the sheriff’s office said in a press release.
Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Vice/Narcotics Division agents conducting surveillance made multiple arrests stemming from traffic stops that resulted in the seizure of drugs, firearms, and paraphernalia.
“Our Vice/Narcotics team remains committed to being present in every part of Columbus County,” said Sheriff Bill Rogers. “These arrests are a direct reflection of their ongoing efforts to keep our communities safe and to remove dangerous drugs and weapons from our streets.”
Traffic Stop Leads to Felony Drug and Firearm Charges
On Sept. 30 agents with the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Vice/Narcotics Division were conducting surveillance around 1:30 p.m. in the Whiteville community when they initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by Frankie Tonara Doctor.
Agents discovered that Doctor’s driver’s license was indefinitely suspended. After receiving permission to search his vehicle, agents located multiple containers of multi-colored tablets with powder residue, a little over seven grams of marijuana, a digital scale, several Ziploc baggies, and a loaded handgun inside a bookbag.
Doctor, 46, was arrested and transported to the Columbus County Detention Center, where he was charged with:
- Felony possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver marijuana
- Felony maintaining a vehicle for controlled substance
- Misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia
- Misdemeanor possession of marijuana paraphernalia
- Misdemeanor driving while license revoked
- Misdemeanor window tint violation
Doctor received a $20,000 secured bond. His address was listed as 116 4G Tram Rd., Whiteville.
High-Speed Pursuit Ends in Narcotics Arrest in Evergreen
On Oct. 1, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Vice/Narcotics agents were conducting surveillance in the Evergreen community when they observed a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed on Old Highway 74. Agents attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the vehicle failed to stop, leading to a high-speed pursuit that reached speeds exceeding 90 mph and continued through multiple roadways before ending at a residence on Miles Court.
The driver, Cynthia Mitchell Gaddy, 60, refused to exit the vehicle and was removed by agents.
During a subsequent search of the vehicle, agents located a foam cup in the center console containing peanuts and baggies with a white rock-like substance. Gaddy admitted to possessing the narcotics.
She was transported to the Columbus County Detention Center and charged with:
- Felony flee/elude arrest with motor vehicle
- Felony possession of cocaine
- Felony maintaining vehicle for controlled substance
- Misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia
- Misdemeanor resisting public officer
- Misdemeanor speeding
- Misdemeanor reckless driving with wanton disregard
- Driving left of center
- Failure to wear seat belt
Gaddy was held under a $20,000 secured bond. Detention records showed her address as 46 Miles Court, Evergreen.
Traffic Stop in Green Acres Community Results in Trafficking Charges
On Oct. 2, around 5:30 p.m., agents conducting surveillance in the Green Acres community initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Swamp Fox Highway East.
The CCSO said Kassie Gwen Leonard, 38, was observed attempting to retrieve her purse when agents noticed a clear baggie containing a rock-like substance wedged between her waist and seat belt. Upon questioning, Leonard voluntarily handed the baggie over and later produced another baggie from her clothing. A search of her vehicle led to the discovery of additional baggies containing powder substances and a glass smoking pipe.
Leonard was arrested and transported to the Columbus County Detention Center, where she was charged with:
- Three counts of felony trafficking cocaine
- Felony possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver cocaine
- Misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia
Leonard was held under a $5,000 secured bond. Her address was listed in court documents as 13928 James B. White Hwy. S., Whiteville.
“No matter the circumstance,” Rogers said, “whether during a traffic stop or a large-scale operation — our detectives are working every day to protect the people of Columbus County. Each arrest represents a step toward a safer community.”
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office encourages citizens to continue reporting suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. Community cooperation remains one of the most powerful tools in combating illegal drug activity.
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