Four arrested in Charles drug ring bust

After a yearlong investigation, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office last week announced its work in dismantling a major drug ring.

The investigation was a collaboration from the Charles sheriff’s office Narcotics Enforcement Section, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, according to a June 14 release from the local sheriff’s office.

On June 7, sheriff’s office detectives served search warrants at four residences in Charles County.

The coordinated operation resulted in several arrests and the recovery of significant amounts of drugs, weapons and other evidence, according to the release.

The operation was supported by emergency services teams from Charles, St. Mary’s and Calvert sheriff’s offices and Charles County Animal Control.

As a result of the searches, detectives allegedly recovered approximately $18,000 worth of cocaine HCL and crack cocaine, multiple counterfeit oxycodone pills which contained fentanyl, tramadol pills, five handguns, four shotguns, various firearm ammunition and accessories, controlled dangerous substance manufacturing, production and packaging materials, and a stolen dirt bike, the release said.

Four suspects in the alleged drug ring were arrested and charged.

William Russell Stewart, 27, of Nanjemoy was charged with possession with the intent to distribute drugs and illegal possession of ammunition (prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous conviction). Stewart was released by a judge on electronic monitoring.

Donovan Franklin Delano Henry, 29, of Waldorf was charged with weapons violations relating to firearms. Henry was released by a district court commissioner on June 7 on personal recognizance.

Rashad Isaiah Cobey, 23, of Indian Head was charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition (prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous conviction). Cobey was released by a judge on electronic monitoring.

Lyray Darnell Simpson, 44, of Nanjemoy was charged with possession with intent to distribute drugs. Simpson was released by a district court commissioner on a $10,000 unsecured bond.