Brunswick County drug investigations lead to multiple arrests, trafficking charges

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office announced multiple arrests following a series of narcotics investigations conducted by its Drug Enforcement and Special Operations Unit.

According to the sheriff’s office, the investigations resulted in the seizure of illegal drugs and numerous charges related to trafficking, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver controlled substances, conspiracy, and maintaining locations used for drug activity.

Among those arrested was 40-year-old Jeromey Ryan Tucker, who faces multiple charges including trafficking in methamphetamine, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver fentanyl and methamphetamine, selling and delivering fentanyl, maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for controlled substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Authorities also arrested 35-year-old Markes Antonio Diondria Gore and 37-year-old James O’Brian Gause, both of whom face trafficking and conspiracy charges involving cocaine. Gore is additionally charged with trafficking fentanyl and multiple counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver controlled substances.

Other individuals arrested include:

• Sara Lynn Sellers, 42, charged with trafficking methamphetamine, felony possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance on jail or prison premises, and other drug-related offenses.
• James Rae Bethea, 34, charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver fentanyl and methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Tina Howard Gray, 57, charged with trafficking methamphetamine, maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for controlled substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Johnathan Lee Peck, 47, charged with conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Dawn Leigh Braswell, 46, charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana, along with possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Victor Jay Crisco Jr., 54, charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana, maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for controlled substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Ashanti Kamal Frazer Deas, 21, charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver Schedule I and Schedule III controlled substances, possession of a controlled substance on jail or prison premises, and obstruction of justice.

Sheriff Brian Chism praised the work of the Drug Enforcement and Special Operations Unit and other divisions that assisted with the investigations.

The sheriff’s office also thanked community members who report suspected drug activity, noting that citizen tips frequently play a key role in identifying criminal behavior and launching investigations.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.