For the second straight day, law enforcement in Harrison County made arrests in ongoing investigations involving the recent arrival of fentanyl-laced heroin in the area. Bridgeport Police Chief John Walker said today three individuals were arrested in Clarksburg.

 

Walker, who also serves as the chairman of the Greater Harrison County Drug Task Force, said a trio of individuals were arrested in the North View section of Clarksburg. He said the arrests were at a home on Gould Avenue.

 

The individuals arrested include Jesse Clevenger, 31, of Clarksburg; Katrina Messinger, 29, of Clarksburg; and Percy E. Belser, Jr., 18, of Pittsburgh, Pa. The arrests took place earlier this afternoon and the individuals listed were charged with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver as well as conspiracy to possess a controlled substance.

 

“They were also charged with child endangerment,” said Walker, who noted there were children at the residence in question. The child was a 2-year-old.

 

On Thursday, there was also a raid on a home in the same section of Clarksburg. Walker said this is a new residence.

 

“We recovered several packets of the ‘Dream Catcher” heroin, which has tested positive for fentanyl,” said Walker.

 

Walker said to the best of his knowledge only the heroin was found at the residence. At this time, no other drugs – he believes – were at that location.

 

The three appeared before Harrison County Magistrate Mark Gorby. Bond was set at $60,000. The effort took place after a search warrant was secured thanks to the ongoing investigation involving local law enforcement. Walker said that the Harrison County Drug Task Force was joined by the Three Rivers Drug Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, the DEA, the Bridgeport Police Department, the Clarksburg Police Department, and the Mountaineer Highway Interdiction Team (MHITI)

Walker said the arrests were made without incident.

 

A week ago, Walker and Clarksburg Police Chief Robbie Hilliard held a press conference announcing the presence of the fentanyl-laced heroin in Harrison County. At that time, there were three four overdoses and one since. All five individuals would have passed if not for the use of the drug Narcan, law enforcement has said.

 

“Since the press conference, I can assure you the Task Force agents aren’t sleeping more than four or five hours in any 24-hour period,” said Walker. “They know the dangers of this stuff being on the streets.

“I’m pretty proud and pleased of the work from our department and the teamwork with other agencies and departments,” he continued. “We’re all still working and are continuing this investigation. I anticipate additional arrests.”

 

Three types of stamped bags of heroin have been found in the past week containing fentanyl, which is a synthetic drug that can be deadly; even to those who inadvertently touch it or breathe it in. Along with the bags stamped “dream catcher,” police have said there are bags labeled “Junglee Killer” and “Hook Me Up” that have been found.

 

Individuals that have any information on this matter, or who happen to see one of these packages, are asked to call the Task Force at  304-848-7053.