BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — Six people are facing drug charges after state and federal investigators broke up an alleged organized fentanyl operation at a Vinson Street residence in Williamson, authorities said.
The arrests came Oct. 3 and Oct. 5 following a two-month-long investigation by the West Virginia State Police with assistance from the U.S. 119 Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The operation uncovered significant quantities of fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana along with multiple illegal firearms.
Court records show the case centered on Justin Jerome Grimmett, 22, of Bruno, West Virginia, who police say coordinated several fentanyl sales using local associates.
In July, investigators allege, Grimmett and Emily Rose Debord, 20, of Williamson, sold fentanyl to a confidential informant. Grimmett reportedly retrieved the drugs from Debord’s car in exchange for $300.
In August, police said Grimmett directed Jackie Nicole Short, 39, of Williamson, to sell fentanyl to another cooperating individual at the 705 Vinson Street address.
That same month, Daylen Rushawn Russell, 21, of Williamson, allegedly allowed Grimmett to use the property for an additional drug transaction.
Authorities said Grimmett’s arrest came Oct. 3 for eight felony counts, including conspiracy to manufacture a controlled substance and multiple counts of possession with intent to deliver fentanyl.
Debord’s arrest came the same day on a charge of conspiracy to manufacture a controlled substance-1.
Russell went to jail Oct. 3 for possession with intent to deliver fentanyl and conspiracy to commit possession with intent to deliver.
Short went to jail Oct. 5 on charges of possession with intent to deliver fentanyl and conspiracy to deliver fentanyl. She remains in jail on a $30,000 cash bond.
A search warrant executed at 705 Vinson Street led to the discovery of what police described as “a large amount of fentanyl, crack cocaine and marijuana” inside a shed and an abandoned vehicle on the property. Officers also found “at least five loaded firearms, including pistols and rifles.”
As a result of that search, police arrested Tylil Lee Turner, 24, of Williamson, Oct. 3. His charges include possession with intent to deliver fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana, as well as being a person prohibited from possessing firearms.
Another suspect, Ronnie Lee Campbell, 50, of Delbarton, was arrested Oct. 3 for possession of a controlled substance-1. Officers said Campbell was seen throwing a plastic bag containing suspected fentanyl to the ground outside the property.