A major drug operation is underway that involves Bridgeport, Harrison County and at least one neighboring county, Harrison County Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force Chairman John Walker said.

 

“We’re targeting upwards of 55 people,” said Walker. Arrest warrants had been obtained for the individuals in question.

 

As of 5:17 p.m., Walker said approximately 42 of those targeted for drugs, primarily methamphetamine, were in custody.

 

The operation began at 8 a.m. this morning, Walker said. He said the investigation leading up to it was for six months or a bit longer.

 

There are seven arrest teams handling operations. Along with the Task Force, the agencies involved include the West Virginia State Police, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, the Clarksburg Police Department, the ATF, the U.S. Marshals Service, the DEA, and Child Protective Services.

 

Two indictments were unsealed regarding the operation and obtained from Clarksburg District Court, but filed Sept. 18 in U.S. District Court in Martinsburg. The following names, with no addresss listed or ages, were named in the United States of America against the following suspects on multiple counts. 

 

In one of the unsealed indictments, the names listed are Kedric Pearson, Paul Casto,  Stormetta Hawkins, William Koch, Jacob Wright,, Donald Hickman Jr., Cody Boley, Byron Higginbotham, Jodi Denkenberger, Erica Herron, David Weaver, Taylor Espinoza, Stephen Richards, Solomon Cottrill, Nathan Crites, Russell Clark, Faith Martin, Jesse Pack, and Justin Jackson.

 

In the other unsealed document, the names listed are Juwan Floyd, Khareem Sampson, Ramiro Pimentel Jr., Kelly Wright, Teresa Hall, Nicholle Knotts, Chance Ward, Ashley Wagner, Brittany Miles, Brandon Mays, Joshua Langbien, Ann Marie Stankus, Rodney Rowan, and Chris Conley. 

 

Those constitute 33 names. The indictments were related to meth distribution, distribution of heroin, use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug offense, s during drug trafficking, maintaining a drug involved premises, distribution of meth within 1000 feet of a protected location (Washington Irving Middle School, Veteran's Administration Park, and Summit Park Playground) and other related charges.

 

There was no information available on further indictments being unsealed.

 

Check back to Connect-Bridgeport or other news sources for updates if, and when, they become available.