51 arrested during Halifax County ‘Operation Wicked Spirits’ investigation (2024)

by: James Dalpino

Posted: Oct 28, 2023 / 10:18 AM EDT

Updated: Oct 28, 2023 / 10:18 AM EDT

HALIFAX COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) – The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office reports that 51 people were arrested on several charges stemming from months of investigations following a joint operation. Deputies said “Operation Wicked Spirits” was organized by the Halifax/ South Boston Regional & Gang Task Force.

According to the sheriff’s office, officers seized suspected methamphetamine and suspected fentanyl. As their operation continued, authorities also executed search warrants and discovered suspected methamphetamine, suspected heroin, firearms, suppressors, and ammunition.

The following people were arrested on drug-related charges:

• James Burden Jr., 36, of Halifax, – 2 counts of distribution of schedule I/II (fentanyl) 3rd of subsequent offense
• Stephanie Powell, 36, of Halifax – distribute schedule I/II (fentanyl)
• Joshua Masterson, 28, of South Boston – possession of a schedule I/II (methamphetamine), possess concealed weapon, and possession of a firearm while in possession of methamphetamine
• James Campbell, 40, of South Boston – distribute schedule I/II (methamphetamine) 2nd offense, 2 counts of possess firearm by convicted felon, possess firearm while distribute schedule I/II (methamphetamine), provide firearm for felon, sell firearm without a background check, possess firearm by non-violent felon, and obstruction of justice
• Jonathan Tetereau, 41, of, Halifax – possession of a schedule I/II controlled substance
• Shameka Irby, 35, of South Boston – possession of a schedule I/II (cocaine)
• Leroy Hunter Jr., 34, of Alton – 2 counts of possession of a schedule I/II and possession of a schedule IV controlled substance
• Mark Brown, 50, of Nathalie – possession of a schedule I/II (methamphetamine) and possess a firearm while in possession of methamphetamine
• Michael Jeffreys, 51, of South Boston – possession of a schedule I/II (cocaine)
• Dereese Hamlett, 62, of Nathalie – possession of a schedule I/II (methamphetamine)
• Stuart Throckmorton, 50, of Halifax – possession of a schedule I/II (methamphetamine)
• Michael Farmer, 42, of Roanoke – 3 counts of distribute over 20 grams of schedule I/II (methamphetamine) 2nd offense
• Robert Davis, 44, of South Boston – distribute schedule I/II (methamphetamine)
• Wesley Dawson, 48, of Alton – capias from original narcotics violation
• Marketta Young, 29, of South Boston – capias from original narcotics violation
• Laura Price, 36, of Alton – distribute schedule I/II (methamphetamine) over 10 grams, possess firearm while distribute methamphetamine, and child neglect
• Melanie Hudson, 41, of Halifax – possession of a schedule I/II (methamphetamine)
• Christopher Newman, 35, of South Boston – possession of a schedule I/II (cocaine)
• William Price, 43, of South Boston – Price is being held in North Carolina awaiting extradition for possession of schedule I/II (methamphetamine) and felony probation violation.
• Jonathan Andrade, 37, of South Boston – possession of a schedule I/II (methamphetamine) and possession of ammunition by a felon
• Cody Dawson, 31, of Nathalie – possession of a schedule I/II (heroin), possession of a schedule I/II (codeine), obtain money by false pretense, and petit larceny
• Timothy Robbins, 36, of Willow Spring, NC – Robbins is being held in North Carolina and is awaiting extradition for possession of a schedule I/II (methamphetamine), and possession of a schedule I/II (fentanyl).
• Williams Sellers, 37, of South Hill – distribute a schedule I/II (methamphetamine) over 20 grams
• Tae-Ali Freeman, 23, of Halifax – distribute a schedule I/II controlled substance
• Jessica Fallen, 31, of Halifax – capias from original narcotics violation
• Michael Goad, 50, of Halifax – capias from original narcotics violation
• Justin Jones, 34, of Gretna – distribution of a schedule I/II (cocaine)
• Tamara Rowland, 43, of Halifax – capias for original narcotics violation
• Jason Anderson, 49, of Halifax – possession of schedule I/II (methamphetamine) and possession of a firearm while in possession of methamphetamine
• Brooke Harmon, 39, of Altavista – capias for original narcotics violation
• Elizabeth Mills, 40, of South Boston – 8 counts possession of a schedule I/II, possess a schedule III controlled substance, possess a schedule IV controlled substance, and drive suspended

Deputies also arrested an additional 20 people during “Operation Wicked Spirits” on non-drug related outstanding warrants.

The following were taken into custody:

• Chad Shotwell, 49, of Alton – felony pre-trial violation
• Gracie Jones, 40, of Nathalie – grand larceny and capias
• Brandy Sizemore, 42, of South Boston – felony probation violation
• Jason McKinney, 40, of Halifax – 47 counts of violating an emergency protective order
• Charles Keatts, 46, of South Boston – felony pre-trial violation
• Tiearra Hill, 26, of Richmond – felony pre-trial violation
• Jerry Blackwood Jr., of Richmond – 5 counts of violating an emergency protective order
• Brittany Jones, 32. of Scottsburg – malicious wounding
• Charles Rigsbee, 49. of South Boston –Rigsbee is being held in North Carolina awaiting extradition for grand larceny and contempt of court.
• Jonathan Adams, 42, of Nathalie – drive revoked DUI related and capias
• Leondrea Tuck, 26, of Halifax – armed burglary, use of a firearm in commission of a
• felony (2nd offense), felony credit card larceny, robbery with the use of a firearm, and
• murder – non capital felony
• Randy Jones, 47, of South Boston – non-violent felon in possession of a firearm
• Rahgie Ballou, 43, of Halifax – grand larceny
• Dallas Hayden, 27, of South Boston – felony probation violation
• Allen Brandon, 28, of South Boston – Brandon is being held in North Carolina awaiting extradition for auto theft (grand larceny), felony probation violation, and misdemeanor probation violation.
• Demetrius Ferrell, 45. of Halifax – 2 counts of probation violation, assault & battery. and giving false information to law enforcement
• Sharon Faulkner, 54. of South Boston – capias
• Andrew Dease, 35. of Halifax – Dease is being held in North Carolina awaiting extradition for 2 counts of felony probation violation.
• Roy Puckett, 33, of Halifax – Puckett is being held in North Carolina awaiting extradition for felony probation violation.
• Aaron Washington, 30, of Philadelphia, PA – 3 counts of felonious assault, 3 counts brandish a firearm, and shoot into an occupied dwelling.

Over 10 law enforcement agencies were involved in the operation including Virginia State Police, Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit, and Durham County NC Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Fred S. Clark says that an operation of this magnitude takes a lot of time, work, and participation from all the agencies involved. He added that the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office will continue to be proactive in the fight against illegal drugs in the community.

“I appreciate the hard work and dedication of the Halifax/South Boston Gang and Narcotics Task Force related to slowing the spread of illegal drugs into our community. Our residents deserve a community free from these drugs and the negative effects of their use. Our state and local law enforcement partners do a great job of working together to accomplish that goal,” said South Boston Chief of Police, Bryan Young.

The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office says additional charges are pending. WFXR will update as further information is released.

Odyssey Fields contributed to this report.