7 arrested in West Tenn. drug trafficking round-up
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JACKSON, Tenn. — Officials have announced seven arrests on federal drug trafficking charges resulting from a Thursday morning drug round-up. The arrests come as a result of a yearlong investigation — called “Operation Hidden Agenda” — in which officials have seized more than three kilograms of cocaine, six ounces of crack, more than $180,000 in cash and 10 vehicles, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. ” This is significant, when you talk about nearly $200,000 off the streets. as well as multiple kilos of cocaine and crack cocaine,” United States Attorney Edward Stanton said. Those arrested are Omar Ramirez, 45, Lee Patterson, 43, Patrick Williamson, 40, Santayan Deon Mayberry, 38, Sharn Milan, 35, Charles Miller, 40, and Armondo Orta, 47. All of the suspects are of Madison County except for Miller, of Gibson County. The suspects are accused of participating in conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine. ” We are always on the watch, we are always on guard to take bad actors off the street. We don’t sleep or slumber we will maintain and be vigilant and this is just part of the process,” Stanton said. All of the arrests were made without incident, according to U.S. Attorney Edward Stanton III. One of the suspects was arrested Wednesday in Texas. A federal grand jury in Jackson returned the indictments March 23, but they were sealed until Thursday’s arrests, the release states. The case was investigated by the DEA, TBI, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Jackson-Madison County Metro Narcotics Unit, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson Police Department and the West Tennessee Drug Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth Boswell.
