For Immediate Release: April 19, 2024
OPERATION SHOCKWAVE
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Since March of 2023, the Lynchburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) have worked jointly with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Virginia State Police, United States Marshals Service, Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, Nelson County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, and the United States Attorney Office for the Western District of Virginia in support of Operation Shockwave. This operation was a proactive initiative to reduce violent crime and combat prolific offenders driving crime within our community through narcotics distribution, firearm trafficking, and gang activity.
The combined efforts of law enforcement led to undercover operations including drug and gun purchases, search warrants, and interdictions of drug and gun suppliers and couriers. Operation Shockwave led to the combined seizure of 4.9 kilograms of fentanyl, over 48,000 pressed fentanyl pills, over 6 kilograms of cocaine, over 3.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, over 164 grams of heroin, and 40 firearms.
The combined street value of the narcotics seized well exceeds $1.6 million, and the potency of the fentanyl has the capacity to kill over 200,000 people.
Operation Shockwave led to the prosecution of 47 defendants. The summary of 33 of those defendants charged to date includes the following:
- Charles Jerome Goode of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of an imitation controlled substance, straw purchase of a firearm.
- Matthew Ogden Lynchburg, VA: Firearm by Felon, larceny of a firearm
- Delano Alan Butler of Martinsburg, WV: Racketeering (RICO), conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, money laundering and Continuing Criminal Enterprise.
- Michelle Lee Byrd of Martinsburg, WV: Racketeering (RICO), conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and money laundering.
- Oshea Jackson of Lynchburg, VA: Racketeering (RICO), distribution of controlled fentanyl and cocaine, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
- April Davidson of Lynchburg, VA: Racketeering (RICO), possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine.
- Marcavius Rose of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution cocaine (x5) and methamphetamine (x1)
- Darial Green of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x4), possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
- Quentin Wesley of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x3)
- Paul Phelps of Lynchburg, VA: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
- Stephan Spinner of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x3)
- Jerome Hall of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x3)
- Ernest Miller of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x3)
- Kevon McDaniel of Lynchburg, VA: Possess firearm with a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, reckless endangerment.
- Fulton Watson of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of fentanyl (x2)
- Joel Wright of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x4)
- Brandon Lee Hall of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of fentanyl (x3)
- John Ashley of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine
- Jakiva Cobbs of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine
- Alphonso Worley of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine
- Antonio Charlton of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x2)
- Deshawn Chesnutt of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x2)
- Brian Rose of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x2)
- Julian Venable of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x3)
- Timothy Paige of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x3)
- Michael Lamont Payne of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x4), firearm by convicted felon.
- Kerry Martin of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of fentanyl (x4)
- Kathleen Moorman of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of methamphetamine (x2)
- Jermaine Parker of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x2)
- Joseph Jones of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine
- Demetrius Withers of Lynchburg, VA: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
- Jonathan Early of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of cocaine (WANTED)
- Julian Slaughter of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of methamphetamine (x2) (WANTED)
In addition to the defendants listed, an additional 9 defendants were charged with federal crimes including drug distribution, firearms trafficking, use of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
Lynchburg Police Department’s Chief Ryan Zuidema stated: “Operation Shockwave was a resounding success, showcasing the unwavering dedication of our local, state, and federal law enforcement personnel who partnered to address criminal behavior that threatened the well-being of our community. We will continue to relentlessly pursue those who put the peace and security of our city at risk.”
Lynchburg’s Commonwealth’s Attorney, Bethany Harrison stated: “The success of this operation is a testament to the hard work, sacrifice, and tenacity of our law enforcement officers and agencies. Public safety is their prime objective and through these efforts, they continue to meet that goal. We are grateful to work side-by-side with such professionals.”
Nelson County Commonwealth’s Attorney, Daniel Rutherford stated: “Our law enforcement partners did a tremendous job investigating this complex network of individuals distributing narcotics. It is an honor to work alongside such dedicated officers.”