The Charles County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Enforcement Section (NES), in partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, has successfully dismantled a significant drug ring operating throughout Charles County. This year-long investigation concluded with a coordinated operation resulting in several arrests and the seizure of substantial amounts of drugs, weapons, and other evidence.
On June 7, NES detectives executed search warrants at four residences in Charles County. The operation was supported by Emergency Services Teams from Charles, St. Mary's, and Calvert County Sheriff's Offices, along with additional components from the Charles County Sheriff's Office and Charles County Animal Control.
Lyray Darnell Simpson, 44, of Nanjemoy
Rashad Isaiah Cobey, 23, of Indian Head
Donovan Franklin Delano Henry, 29, of Waldorf
William Russell Stewart, 27, of Nanjemoy,
During the searches, detectives recovered approximately $18,000 worth of cocaine HCL and crack cocaine, multiple counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, tramadol pills, five handguns, four shotguns, various firearm ammunition and accessories, controlled dangerous substances (CDS), drug manufacturing, production, and packaging materials, and a stolen dirt bike.
The coordinated effort led to the arrest of four suspects:
- William Russell Stewart, 27, of Nanjemoy, was charged with possession with intent to distribute drugs and illegal possession of ammunition, being prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior conviction. Stewart was released by a judge on electronic monitoring.
- Donovan Franklin Delano Henry, 29, of Waldorf, was charged with weapons violations relating to firearms. Henry was released by a district court commissioner on June 7 on personal recognizance.
- Rashad Isaiah Cobey, 23, of Indian Head, was charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, being prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior conviction. Cobey was released by a judge on electronic monitoring.
- Lyray Darnell Simpson, 44, of Nanjemoy, was charged with possession with intent to distribute drugs. Simpson was released by a district court commissioner on a $10,000 unsecured bond.
Sheriff Troy Berry of Charles County expressed his gratitude for the collaboration and dedication shown by all the agencies involved in this operation. "This was a significant drug ring that had a major impact on our community. The success of this operation is a testament to the hard work and cooperation of all the agencies involved," Berry said.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service played crucial roles in the investigation, providing resources and expertise that were instrumental in the operation's success. The agencies emphasized the importance of interagency collaboration in tackling large-scale drug trafficking operations that span multiple jurisdictions.
The operation highlights the ongoing issue of drug trafficking and its associated dangers, particularly with the presence of fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills, which pose a significant risk to public health and safety. The recovery of firearms and ammunition further underscores the potential for violence and the need for continued vigilance in addressing these threats.
Community members are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement agencies to aid in the prevention and disruption of illegal drug activities. The Charles County Sheriff's Office remains committed to working with federal, state, and local partners to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to pursue additional charges and identify other individuals who may be connected to this drug ring. The collaborative efforts between local and federal agencies will remain pivotal in combating drug-related crime in Charles County and beyond.
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