Car, cash, drugs confiscated in raid

Sheriff James Campbell inspects items taken in a March 9 drug raid at Alto. Confiscated were more than $3,100 in cash; almost two pounds of marijuana with a street value of approximately $1,000; more than 32 grams of powder cocaine with a street value of approximately $2,000; 11.6 grams of crack cocaine with a street value of almost $1,000; and numerous assorted prescription pills. Officers also confiscated a Dodge Avenger passenger car. While executing a search warrant March 9 at two homes, located at 158 CR 2432 in Alto, officers located and seized a Dodge Avenger passenger car; more than $3,100 in cash; almost two pounds of marijuana with a street value of approximately $1,000; more than 32 grams of powder cocaine with a street value of approximately $2,000; 11.6 grams of crack cocaine with a street value of almost $1,000; and numerous assorted prescription pills.

Four persons were arrested and charged in connection with the charges. The police action came as a result of a six-week investigation.

Investigators began surveillance after they received information in late January that individuals were selling narcotics in the area.

Their investigation confirmed the report that investigators had received and more pro-active investigation methods were utilized, including the actual purchase of narcotics from individuals in the area.

Cherokee County Courtat Law Judge Craig Fletcher issued a warrant for officers to search the Ricky Brown residence at 158 CR 2432 in Alto.

This residential property consisted of a mobile home, a wood framed residence, carports, garages, a pool hall and numerous other outbuildings and structures. A warrant was issued by Justice of the Peace Precinct One Brenda Dominy for the arrest of Mr. Brown on charges of delivery of marijuana.

Another arrest warrant for Mr. Brown was issued by Justice of the Peace Precinct Two Teresa Phifer for delivery of a controlled substance.

Also an arrest warrant for Charles Skinner was issued by Judge Phifer for delivery of a controlled substance.

During the execution of the warrant, officers were met with aggressive “pit-bull” type canines chained near many of the entrances to the homes and outbuildings. Officers further discovered five individuals outside the structures and one individual inside a home.

Arrested at the scene were: Mr. Brown, charged with delivery of marijuana and delivery of a controlled substance; Charles Ferrell Skinner, delivery of a controlled substance; Patrice Lashun Buckingham, possession of a controlled substance; and Jacqueline Brown, delivery of controlled substance and possession of marijuana.

Assisting in the search and arrest were Sheriff James Campbell, Chief Deputy Keith Radcliff, the 13 member Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, Capt. David Womack and two deputies from the sheriff’s office patrol division, Precinct 2 Constable Jack White, Precinct 4 Constable Jamie Beene and five officers from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice K-9 Division.

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