WELCH, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Multiple people were arrested and a large quantity of suspected fentanyl and crack cocaine was seized during a drug operation in McDowell County, according to the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said members of the sheriff’s office, Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, U.S. Marshals Cuffed Task Force and Welch Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence on Court Street in Welch at approximately 7 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7.
During the search, officers arrested Anthony Kearse Jr. on two counts of delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance, identified by authorities as fentanyl.
Investigators reported recovering approximately 7.7 ounces of fentanyl, 2.9 ounces of crack cocaine and 30 Suboxone strips from the residence.
Kearse was processed at the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office and arraigned before Magistrate Richard VanDyke, who set his bond at $750,000 cash only. He was then remanded to the McDowell County Holding Unit pending further court proceedings.
Authorities said a coordinated roundup following the search warrant resulted in several additional arrests on outstanding drug-related charges.
Jawuan Diggs was arrested on two counts of delivery of fentanyl. VanDyke set his bond at $300,000 cash only.
Travis Vanover was arrested on two counts of delivery of fentanyl and received a $300,000 cash-only bond from VanDyke.
Nichole Sizemore was arrested on two counts of delivery of fentanyl. Magistrate Blevins set her bond at $150,000 cash only.
Steven A. Brown was arrested on two counts of delivery of fentanyl and received a $300,000 cash-only bond from Blevins.
Rebecca Chapman was arrested on one count of delivery of crack cocaine and one count of delivery of fentanyl. Her bond was set at $195,000 cash only by Blevins.
The sheriff’s office is also asking for the public’s help locating Thomas A. Cox, 45, of Gary. Authorities said Cox is wanted on one count of delivery of crack cocaine, one count of delivery of fentanyl, one count of obstructing an officer and one count of fleeing from an officer.
Anyone with information about Cox’s whereabouts is asked to contact the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office or local law enforcement.
Sheriff’s officials said the investigation remains active and additional arrests and charges are possible.
All individuals charged are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
