Massive Sting Busts 45 For Gun, Drug Charges In Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC -- Federal, state and local law enforcement have arrested 45 suspects wanted on gun and drug charges in a two-day sweep in Charlotte, Justice Department officials said Tuesday.

“This morning’s arrests are the result of a joint eight month investigation into repeat offenders who disregard public safety, violate our nation’s gun and drug laws, and pose a threat to the community,” U.S. Attorney R. Andrew Murray said in a statement Feb. 13.

The coordinated operation that involved multiple law enforcement agencies including the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, netted at least a dozen federal weapons and drug charges, as well as 32 arrests for state charges.

During the eight-month investigation, law enforcement recovered 27 guns, as well as a drug haul that included heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and ecstasy pills, in addition to firearms and drugs seized during this week’s two-day operation.

The 12 arrested Feb 13 on federal charges include:

• Abdul Nafir Barilford, 35, residence unknown, charged with felon in possession of a firearm
• Mark Jefferson Belton, 29, of Charlotte, charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
• Amos Lamar Burch, 34, of Charlotte, charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and felon in possession of a firearm
• Rodney Funderburk, 38, residence unknown, charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and felon in possession of a firearm
• Elontrae Ali Glenn, 23, of Rock Hill, S.C., charge with distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin and felon in possession of a firearm
• Rodriquez Harris, 43, of Charlotte, charged with felon in possession of a firearm
• Rakeem McCullough, 28, of Charlotte, charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine, felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
• David DeAngelo McNeil, 37, of Charlotte (in federal custody), charged with Distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine
• Rodriquez Neal, 23, of Charlotte, charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine and felon in possession of a firearm
• Rashad Taylor, 26, of Charlotte, charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine
• Jimmy Ward, 42, of Cherryville, N.C. (previously in state custody), charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
• Montique Williams, 30, of Charlotte, charged with felon in possession of a firearm

Carlos Massey, 34, who is wanted for felon in possession of a firearm and Ishmerai Hem Ef Muhammad El, 37, of Charlotte, who is wanted for distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine, as well as felon in possession of a firearm are still wanted by law enforcement.

Main Image courtesy of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department