According to the Sumter Item, The Sumter Police Department arrested thirty-five people last Thursday and Friday as part of Operation DEU, or Drug Enforcement Undertaking, an extensive undercover effort.
Capt. Alvin Holston said the SPD’s Organized Crime and Vice Control unit targeted street-level drug dealers over the past six to 12 months, and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit assisted in the arrests.
Police also set up a reverse sting operation, whereby people who arrived at known crack houses to buy crack were arrested.
Police seized 30 grams of crack, some marijuana, scales, two weapons, a bullet-proof vest, a gas mask, and drug paraphernalia.
Captain Holston identified one of the problem locations as Olive and Branch streets but noted the operations occurred throughout the city.
One of the men arrested as part of Operation DEU, Major Anthony Kennedy, 51 was charged with murder along with a 41-year-old woman in connection with the late June shooting death of Caldwell Wright Jr., 55, at his home, located at 731 Branch Street.
Holston further stated, “We want to attempt to do our part to offer citizens some peace in their neighborhoods. We’ve got to help each other. It’s a two-way street.” The investigation is ongoing, he said, characterizing the first group of arrests as “phase one.”
“We want to send out a clear message that we’re working,” he said, noting that police will build upon their efforts thus far to target “the heavier individuals” that are the distributors.
Sumter Police Chief Patty Patterson said the arrests are indicative of the SPD’s proactive efforts and offered appreciation for the public’s assistance in reporting criminal activity so officers can investigate those tips.
“We’ll continue to follow through. This is just phase one,” she said. “We’ll continue to be vigilant in our task and deed.”
Charged in connection with Operation DEU were:
Frederick Billie, 24, of 702-A Miller Road: trafficking crack, trafficking crack within a half mile, possession of marijuana and interfering with police;
Tywan Burgess, 25, of 119 Carolina Avenue: possession with intent to distribute crack and possession of drug paraphernalia;
Jamal Colclough, 25, of 37 Lemmon Street: charged with possession of marijuana, fourth offense, felon in possession of a handgun, three counts of distribution of marijuana, and three counts of distribution of marijuana within a half mile of a school;
Dwayne Crawford, 25, of 10 Burgess Street.: possession of marijuana;
Quincy Isaac, 27, of 1354 Blackwell Court: distribution of crack, distribution of crack within a half mile of a school and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack;
Angelo Johnson, 27, of 1320 Mooneyham Road: distribution of crack;
Ertha Johnson, 52, of 1689 Sweat Road, Manning: charged with attempt to possess crack;
Jerry Johnson Jr., 42, of 36 Walker Street: distribution of crack and distribution of crack within a half mile of a school;
Johnny Lee Johnson, 52, of 1689 Sweat Road, Manning: charged with attempt to possess crack;
Michael Johnson, 17, of 110 Maney Street: charged with possession with intent to distribute crack;
Sara T. Johnson, 34, of 212 W. Bartlette Street: charged with attempt to possess crack and possession of cocaine;
Major Kennedy, 51, address unknown: charged with distribution of crack;
Nikki Lee, 37, of 112 Maney Street: charged with possession of marijuana;
Moneta McCray, 30, of 965 Miller Road Apt L-5: charged with interfering with police;
Derron McGee, 21, of 41 Carolina Avenue: charged with possession of marijuana, second offense;
Ramanda McMillan, 20, of 1353 Blackwell Court: charged with three counts of distribution of crack, fourth offense, three counts of distribution of crack within a half mile of a school and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack;
Allen Miller, 46, of 5205 Dias Road, Rembert: charged with unlawful possession of prescription drugs;
Anthony Montgomery, 20, of 32 Brand Street: charged with conspiracy;
Eligah Nelson, 52, of 108 Carver Street: charged with attempt to possess crack;
Gwendolyn Porter, 33, of 10 Burgess Street: charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia;
Susan Prioleau, age and address unknown: charged with attempting to possess crack and possession of drug paraphernalia;
Benny Reynolds, 46, of 57 Albert Spears Drive: charged with attempt to possess crack;
Justin Reynolds, age and address unknown: charged with interfering with police;
Virginia B. Reynolds, 49, of 57 Albert Spears Drive: charged with attempt to possess crack;
Rodriquez Rouse, 26, of 202 Plowden Mill Road: charged with distribution of crack and distribution of crack within a half mile of a school;
Deyontae Singletary, 18, of Harmony Court, Apt. 29: charged with possession of marijuana
Jermaine Smith, 28, of 38 Byrd Street: charged with trafficking crack, trafficking crack within a half mile of a school, possession of marijuana and interfering with police;
Thomas Stuckey, 18, of 15 G Street: charged with two counts each of distribution of crack and distribution of crack within a half mile of a school;
Joseph Sumter, 54, of 45 Brent Street: charged with attempt to possess crack and possession of drug paraphernalia;
Tanya Tattnall, 21, of 41-C Carolina Avenue: charged wtih possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia;
Keith Tomlin, 19, of 11 H Street: charged with distribution of crack, distribution of crack within a half mile of a school, possession with intent to distribute crack and possession with intent to distribute crack within a half mile of school;
Keaton D. Wheeler, 20, of 15 G Street: charged with three counts each of possession with intent to distribute crack and possession with intent to distribute crack within a half mile of a school
Frenchola Wheeler, 73, of 15 G Street: charged with conspiracy
Rico Wheeler, 17, of 15 G Street: charged with possession with intent to distribute crack, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute crack within a half mile of a school and possession with intent to distribute cocaine within a half mile of a school;
A juvenile was charged with possession of marijuana.
All of the accused are innocent until proven guilty.
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