STATESVILLE, N.C. — A four-month investigation led to the arrests of four people on several drug and firearm charges Friday, officials with the Statesville Police Department said.
The arrests came after complaints from the community led to an investigation by the SPD Narcotics Division into reported drug sales and trafficking occurring in two different areas in Statesville.
"It took four months," SPD Chief Joe Barone said. "But I know the work we did leading up to these arrests today will make a difference in this community."
Officials said SPD officers and agents from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation searched a home on Harrison Street around 8:30 a.m. Friday, where they found more than 54 grams of crack and powder cocaine, more than $1,200 in cash, three handguns and a rifle with a drum magazine.
(Maurice Patrick Carruth, Quentin Lee Carruth,
Eugune
Quience Carruth, Shamar Derrick
Ramseur
)
Police said they arrested three brothers in connection with the drugs, cash and firearms found.
Patrick Maurice Curruth, 26, faces charges of trafficking cocaine, possession with intent to sell and distribute cocaine, felony maintaining a dwelling, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He has been placed under $300,000 secured bond.
Quentin Lee Curruth, 27, faces charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and felony maintaining a dwelling. He has been placed under a $25,000 secured bond.
Quience Eugene Curruth, 29, faces a charge of felony maintaining a dwelling. He has been placed under $2,500 secured bond.
Later Friday morning, SPD investigators served a warrant at 307 Winston Avenue, officials said.
"When the officers entered the residence, there was evidence indicating that the suspect was actively manufacturing crack cocaine," Barone said.
Officials said drugs, items used for the manufacture and sale of crack cocaine and over $900 in cash were seized during the search.
Derrick Shamar Ramseur, 35, was arrested in connection with the drugs and cash found and faces charges of possession with intent to sell and distribute cocaine and felony maintaining a dwelling. He has been placed under $30,000 secured bond.
"These arrests will hopefully lead us to more information that will help the Statesville Police Department make our city safer for these children," Barone said.