Two Arrested, Charges Against Five Others Pending
On March 21, Sgt. A.J. Shingler of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations and members of the Mountain Region Drug Task Force were contacted by Cpl. J.D. Jordan of the Sutton Detachment of the West Virginia State Police in reference to drug activity at a residence in the Sutton area. After developing the initial information, Sgt. Shingler and MRDTF members conducted surveillance and gathered further information that led to the issuance of a search warrant for the residence located at 415 South Franklin Avenue in Sutton.
Just before 11:00 PM Tuesday Sgt. Shingler, Cpl. Jordan, and members of the MRDTF assisted by Sgt. Johnson and Deputy Groves of the Braxton County Sheriff’s Department executed the search warrant at the residence without incident. Individuals at the residence were Melinda Carter, Tabitha Knight, Alexis Haley, Angela Bedunah, Brandon McCourt, Brian Justice, and Raymond DeNuzzo.
Officers discovered approximately three hundred twenty-one (321) grams of methamphetamine, twenty-eight (28) grams of fentanyl, forty-two (42) grams of marijuana, as well as $1,254.00 dollars in U.S. currency during the search of the residence. Street value of the drugs is estimated at $36,000.00. Cellular devices were also seized during this search.
Cpl. Jordan arrested Justice and DeNuzzo on outstanding warrants from two other counties. All of these individuals are being referred to the US Attorney’s Office Northern District for further prosecution. Pending charges include Possession, Delivery, and Conspiracy to Deliver Methamphetamine and Fentanyl.
Brian Tracy Justice and Raymond Anthony DeNuzzo were taken to the Central Regional Jail to await transfer to other jurisdictions. Justice is wanted in Cabell County.
DeNuzzo’s warrant was issued in Putnam County.