It wasnt always cash we got, she said. Platt credits his mother, activist Carrie Graves, for influencing his desire to help Black people. Graves made a young Platt join protest, read Black history books, watch Black history films and help Black candidates with their political campaigns. Two women from Brownsville, Texas, would come to the residence every two to three weeks topick up money and bring it to Saldanain Mexico,Williams said during the trial. A federal criminal indictment was filed on February 22, 2018, and was unsealed late yesterday in federal court following arrests conducted during an early morning round-up. Drug Enforcement Administration agents say meth is king. That's number one, but number two, when you know good and well that it's going to be dismissed eventually, that it's never going to be prosecuted, but yet your life is still tied up in this carceral system, because until it gets dismissed, you have to go to court, you have to miss work, if you're able to bond out. Looking back, Lisa Dawn said selling meth where the addiction is rampant was easy. Money Rock: A Familys Story of Cocaine, Race, and Ambition in the New South, I have blood in this. A former drug dealer will try to help curb Charlotte violence, Officials hopeful a newly named program can help cut violent crime in Charlotte, Expelled UNC student says he was targeted by women who falsely accused him of assault, Deputy rapes woman at traffic stop and tells her she wont be charged, Tennessee cops say. Hugo Curbello and Lilia Parada, are reputed to be among the largest cocaine dealers in the city. WebNorth Carolina Drug Dealers Exposed. Conaway said they're also seeing a presence of fentanyl and heroin. Two men face drug charges after the bust. The FBI will continue to join forces with our state and local law enforcements partners to track down these offenders to end the deadly cycle of drug abuse in our communities, said John Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina. Bennett's girlfriend, Tammy Wynette Woody, did not stand byher man. Two men face drug charges after the bust. She didnt know Roger Dale was dealing withacartel. Instead, she took a plea. Since 2012, a joint local, state and federal task force known as Operation Dixie Crystalhas led to the convictions of more than 266federal defendants inwestern North Carolinafor meth trafficking, federal officials said. They have no regard for human life. Critically-acclaimed actor Mark Wahlberg wasn't always the clean-cut leading-man type he appears to be today. The penalties associated with the drug charges range from a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of up to life in prison and a monetary fine of up to $10 million. (arrested) Edgar Jesus Magana, 24, of Charlotte. We will not tolerate the destruction of lives through the scourge of the drug trade., Our community and our citizens are safer today because of the removal of a massive amount of drugs, weapons and cash that were destined to destroy lives, said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. Nunnenkamp,now 46,toldpolice he helped distributenearly 8pounds of meth at $20,000 a pound at Bennetts direction and helped count and package $120,000 to pay for more shipments from the Texas supplier. Thanks, your message has been sent successfully. "Law enforcement has been successful in making strides towards identifying these trafficking patterns by utilizing a myriad of investigative techniques. Some people are raising chickens to fight high egg prices, In response to high egg prices, some are choosing to raise chickens instead, Kevin Durant scores 23 points in Charlotte in Suns debut, Very warm and rain-free for the first day of March, Weather is 95% favorable for a liftoff tonight, but teams are keeping an eye on weather along Dragons ascent corridor, Iredell County deputies make three major drug arrests in the span of one week, UNC-Chapel Hill suspends 3 fraternities following drug investigation, arrests. After a prison term and years as a minister, hes back in town as supervisor of an anti-violence and manager. Bennettreceived15 years and 8 months and will be released in December 2026. They take their sentence on the chin.. "It's not fair, number one just off the surface level of being arrested for a mental health condition. It was the power and money associated with selling meth that kept her by Roger Dales side. CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - The Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police (CMPD), conducted a major raid Wednesday morning in north Charlotte, targeting people who are accused of dealing crack cocaine. STAY CLEAR !!! No telling how many lives will be saved by the collaborative efforts of all the agencies working together, said Chief Chuck Atkinson of the Doraville Police Department. However, it can just as easily be done in urban counties.". TheMexican Americanworked 40 to 50 hours a week at two well-known construction companies driving a dump truck. WebHall, NC 27045 888-746-2351. It didnt makeuserssick like homemade shake and bakemeth did,Lisa Dawn remembered. Hereceiveda 40-year sentencebecause of his priorrecord. Suddenly, they are all in custody. The department's Narcotics Vice Interdiction Team began its drug smuggling investigation in 2006. WebOver 20 kilograms of cocaine and heroin were sold on the streets. (previously arrested on a complaint), Mauco Contreras, 21, of Charlotte. We were proud to provide this financial expertise as we worked alongside our law enforcement partners to bring these criminals to justice, said Matthew D. Line, Acting Special Agent in Charge for IRS-CI. That's a painful lesson. Don't get him wrong though, it's not like he's proud of what he did. The cartels know this and they're going to fill that demand.". "They're the most violent people that I know. (His mother, who also sold drugs, died when 50 Cent was 8.) "They dont want to die. The money laundering charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Theylivedin Roger Dales fathers house among hundreds of miscellaneous items theyd obtained by bartering withtheir drug-addictedcustomers, who would give up anything for a bag of dope. As an adult, Platt lost three sons to gun violence. His business is tied to the decisions police, prosecutors and judges make. She joined The Observer in 2019 and helped cover the George Floyd "My biggest problem is, I think we've had a very violent year," he said. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has not changed our enforcement strategy as we continue to identify alternative solutions to arrests in drug possession cases. But hes in a very dangerous business. Avehiclefrom Texasparkedat the Walmart in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, Williams said. Trailer-park champion Kid Rock sold drugs before he hit it big in the music industry. Example video title will go here for this video. Now 50 years old,Lisa Dawn has been clean since she was released from a halfway house in July 2017 following herprisonsentence, and reports to a parole officer. Lisa Dawn recalled the night she and Roger Dale got arrested. "Rural locations are sought out for loading and unloading contraband, due to privacy. WebCharges contained in the 41-count indictment range from drug conspiracy involving cocaine, heroin, and marijuana; operation of a "crack house" at 2317 Dundeen Street in Charlotte; CHARLOTTE, N.C. Drug Enforcement Administration agents say millions of dollars in meth and other drugs are running up and down the Charlotte-area's interstates, trafficked by dangerous drug kingpins from Mexico. Every Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Platt brings youth from all over Charlotte to a gym at New Shiloh Baptist Church. The couplegot their meth from different places. Cunningham has remained a critic of criminal justice reform in recent years and once again, is left shaking his head by decisions in Mecklenburg County. 134 likes. Meanwhile, the @ACLU_NC manager who protested @CMPD in 2020, says police are not protecting and serving by continuing to make arrests. Others, likeMartin Martinez Saldana, were longtime residents with deep roots in their communities. U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of North Carolina, Eight Charged In Drug Conspiracy Operating In Mecklenburg County, South Carolina Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced To More Than 12 Years In Federal Prison, Bulk Fentanyl Trafficker Is Convicted Of Drug And Gun Charges, Prolific Wadesboro Methamphetamine Trafficker And Co-Conspirator Are Sentenced To Prison, Emilio Mejia, 28, of Charlotte. WebHe said the largest cartel operating in the Charlotte-area is the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion. This is not just a fiscally responsible thing to do, it's a morally responsible thing to do.". He got caught dealing several times, but it wasn't until he sold cocaine to an undercover cop in 1994 that he faced some serious jail timethree to nine years. Saldana, now 50, is serving a life sentencein a Kentucky federalprison forconspiracy to distribute meth and possession of an unregistered firearm. From an early age, Belton Platt says, he had a desire to help his people. WebIREDELL COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Twenty-two drug dealers were arrested after a massive round-up operation by the Iredell County Sheriffs Office. . "We have been in ongoing discussions with the Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office and recognize their need to maximize prosecution resources during the pandemic," CMPD spokesperson Rob Tufano said in an email. Right now meth is at an all-time high in purity and an all-time low in price.". Domestic Cannabis Suppression / Eradication Program, Red Ribbon Toolkit - Resources For Your Community, DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Intelligence Research Specialist Job Announcements, Schedule A Hiring Authority: Intelligence Research Specialist, Privacy Impact Assessment and Management Information Systems, Victim Witness Assistance Program Resources. What do you want? Platt said he initially didnt know why God wanted him to return to Charlotte, but one day in 2019, he said the Lord spoke to him again and told him to begin a youth program called Sunday Hoops. Yannick View our latest report, The Year in Child Care: 2021 Data, Analysis and Recommendations, Fee Assistance and Respite Care for Military/DoD Families. Ive always had a desire to help people, even when I was out there dealing drugs, Platt said. Read our latest blog on how important the 118th Congress is for the fight for affordable and accessible child care for all families. His office is no longer prosecuting most marijuana, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine possession cases, including some involving suspected drug dealers and not just misdemeanors; felonies too. Drugs and weapons in the hands of drug dealers are some of the deadliest killers on our streets. According to Kid Rock's bio on Rolling Stone's official website, the musician sold drugs from time to time as a teenager in order to make some extra spending money. An official website of the United States government. People liked what we had. Roger Dale tookinformation abouthis connections to the grave when he diedof a heart attackin federal prison in 2017. "When they know English and are familiar with the law, they can communicate with law enforcement to cover up what they're doing," he said. Partnerships between local, state and federal agencies make our communities safer. If it takes them to hurt somebody or kill somebody to achieve their goal, that's what they're going to do.". That was my mindset, not realizing that I was literally being a part of this conspiracy to destroy our people by selling them that poison and bringing it into the Charlotte area and pumping those drugs into the neighborhood.. Official websites use .gov After partnering with federal drug enforcement agents, Fayetteville police seized drugs, cash, cars and houses. It is one of the largest amounts of the opioid painkiller NC. ATF will continue to work collaboratively with our federal, state and local investigative partners to identify and apprehend violent career criminals and keep our communities safe, said Wayne Dixie, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Few knew Saldana and others were living a double life in the drug trade. WebBiggie began selling drugs at the age of 12, and dropped out of school at the age of 17 to pursue crime as a full-time career, according to Ready to Die, a biography chronicling his For her, the new policy is a full circle moment. Less than a decade old,MexicosCrtelJalisco NuevaGeneracin,better known as CJNG,hasfought its way to takeits place among the worlds largest drug networks, led by its ruthlessbutdisciplined leader, Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, better known as "ElMencho.". Western North Carolina She was sentenced to 2years and released in June 2015. "With 100 homicides a year, I do not have time to carry those (drug) cases for two-and-a-half years and I think most people would agree on that," Merriweather said. Now that's method acting. I said, God dang,we can do better than that., I said,Go prove it, Lisa Dawnremembered. Catawba County Sheriff's Office Captain Aaron Turk said drug cartels have a history of exploiting opportunities for smuggling in both urban and rural areas. Platt and his wife packed up and moved to Charlotte on June 27, 2018. Jeffrey Dale Watson, Bennett's roommate,was sentenced to 15 months in prison and released in September 2014. "It is well known that commercial trucking is one of, if not the single most common way that money and drugs are traversed to and from the Southwest border," Rowan County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy David Ramsey said. WebAccording to these court documents the owner was trying to get thirty kilos of cocaine to Charlotte from south Florida. These kids are out here killing, and theyre out here being killed, because they lack knowledge, Platt said. At age 5, he said, he watched his father try to stab his mother to death. Platt was surrounded by violence during his adolescence, and even in his home. But the way he went about improving his community also hurt it. Biggie began selling drugs at the age of 12, and dropped out of school at the age of 17 to pursue crime as a full-time career, according to Ready to Die, a biography chronicling his life. This is a match made in heaven, Platt said. "Would you prefer that these arrests stop?" A separate criminal indictment was filed charging Brandy Nicole Short, 34, of Gastonia, N.C. with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, bringing the total number of those arrested in connection this investigation to nine. This case is presented as a part of Operation SCOPE (Strategically Combatting Opioids through Prosecution and Enforcement), which is an initiative launched by the U.S. Attorneys Office to partner with federal and local law enforcement to fight the devastating effects that illegally-prescribed painkillers, heroin, and synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl have on our neighborhoods. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Everyone went crazy over the Mexican meth they sold. Jonathan Limehouse is a breaking news reporter and covers all major happenings in the Charlotte area. I believe we can make a big change in the lives of people, he said. The Narcotics Vice Unit has intercepted a total of five deliveries for people who live in the city limits of Fayetteville. Afterspending more than two years in federal prison,Lisa Dawn recalled the absurd lifestyleshe and Roger Dale had while running their small-town empire. Agents say Charlotte's booming population is partly to blame. Overbey and Walker posted bond and are out of jail. Wilmington police say they've rounded up four "big time" drug dealers. It wasnt hard to sell,she said. He has covered a litany of other beats from public safety, education, public health and sports. In exchange for her testimony against Bennett, Woody pleaded guiltyto possession with intent to distribute meth. It was a symbiotic relationship that allowed Roger Dale and Lisa Dawns drug business to thrive. Before Platt got out of prison in 2010, he said he stood up on a picnic table, looked up to heaven and said, Father I messed up my life, but whats left of my life, if you can use it, I give it to you to use for your glory, honor and praise., At that moment in my life, I didnt hear thunder roar or see lightning strike, so I knew God heard me, he said. OCDETF is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nations primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets. Nunnenkamp and Bennett joined forces after realizing they had the same CJNG connection, according to law enforcement. "If I'm able to get a homicide trial or a violent crime trial in the court a month faster, a year faster, I think that does so much to increase the level of accountability and increase people's confidence in our justice system and increase safety on the streets and neighborhoods of Mecklenburg County. I commend the work and efforts of all the individual officers and agents involved in this investigation. At the height of Dodge Citys brutal crack epidemic, Rayful distributed 60 percent of the cocaine that flooded the citys streets. An official website of the United States government. Kenneth Bennett and JeremyNunnenkampforged anothermain connection tothe border that linked CJNG meth to the region in2012 and 2013 before they got busted, according to law enforcement. The Asheville Police Department CHARLOTTE, N.C. United States Attorney R. Andrew Murray announced today that eight individuals are facing federal drug conspiracy charges for their involvement in a narcotics distribution ring operating in Mecklenburg County. "You don't get to almost 12 years clean from a crack-cocaine addiction by being locked up. Lock These aren't young guys. Instead of jail, he spent some time in a boot camp, where he earned his GED, and eventually became one of the most successful rappers of all timebut not before getting shot nine times. In-depth strategy and insight into critical interconnection ecosystems, datacenter connectivity, product optimization, fiber route development, and more. Drug dealers victimize our communities, strain law enforcement resources, and diminish quality of life for everyone. With what hes been doing since he got out of prison, and even when he was a drug dealer, he had this desire to help people. Error, please try again. CLAYTON, North Carolina (WTVD) -- In the biggest drug operation in department history, Clayton Police put 19 people behind bars Wednesday after a series of early morning raids. With what we know about Snoop Dogg's relationship with marijuana, it'd be more surprising to find out that he never sold drugs. Stay informed, connected, and inspired in an ever-changing ECE landscape. WebIn October 2019 Elio Godinez orchestrated a $15,500 drug deal involving the sell of 2 kilograms (bricks) of methamphetamine. Miles is facing federal drug charges for smuggling marijuana and cocaine from Texas. He said he sold drugs because he had to, adding, "I know that sounds corny, but this is the truth." In2012,police started buildingtheir casewhen they found a confidential informant with a connectionto one of Saldanas associates, allowing them toinfiltratethe web with controlled buys. P-EBT benefits approved to continue in NC for 22-23 school year, Fishermen find remains of missing man inside shark. 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