United States Attorney Anne M. Tompkins Western District Of North Carolina
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Federal agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and officers with the Gaston County and Bessemer City Police Departments arrested eight defendants today during an early morning sweep, announced Anne M. Tompkins, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Those arrested are charged with multiple federal drug trafficking and gun offenses.
U.S. Attorney Tompkins is joined in making today’s announcement by Wayne L. Dixie, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Charlotte Field Division, Chief James W. Buie, of the Gaston County Police Department and Chief Thomas Ellis of the Bessemer City Police Department.
Today’s arrests and indictments are the result of an ongoing joint law enforcement action that began in April 2012 as a focused initiative to reduce drug trafficking and violent crime in Gaston County, with special emphasis placed in the Vantine Neighborhood.
A 60-count criminal bill of indictment against the defendants was returned by a Charlotte grand jury on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013. Portions of the indictment were unsealed today following the arrest of eight of the named defendants. Those arrested and charged are:
• Patrick Gerard Chambers, a/k/a “P-Chains," 30 of Gastonia. • Robert Chavius Floyd, 23, of Bessemer City, N.C. • Rashon Donte Hunter, 18, of Bessemer City. • Omaris Dushawn McMiller, a/k/a “Turbo," 32, of Gastonia. • Darral Javarius Anderson, a/k/a “Little Pete," 25, of Bessemer City. • Michael Travis Floyd, a/k/a “Chad," 34, of Bessemer City. • Joshua Rodregus Glenn, a/k/a “Paper," 28, of Bessemer City/Gastonia. • Bryan Anthony Sanders, a/k/a “Bubba," 35, of Kings Mountain, N.C.
Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement have seized five handguns, two SKS rifles (one with ammunition and scope attached), U.S. currency, a vehicle, drugs and drug-making paraphernalia.
The eight defendants’ initial appearances were held today in U.S. District Court in Charlotte. Detention hearings have been scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013. The remaining defendants charged in the indictment are considered fugitives. Their names will remain under seal until they have been apprehended by law enforcement.
“Reducing violent crime across our district is a top priority for my office. Federal, state and local law enforcement partners are coordinating their efforts to identify communities plagued by rampant drug trafficking and to prosecute offenders who spread crime in our neighborhoods. Our mission is to make our streets safer and to protect our communities from drugs and violence," said U.S. Attorney Tompkins.
“The use of firearms to commit violent criminal acts involved in the drug trade that terrorizes our communities simply cannot be tolerated," said Charlotte ATF Special Agent in Charge Wayne Dixie. “Along with our law enforcement partners, ATF will continue to identify those violent felons that just don’t get that message. We will use all of our joint resources to hold the violent drug dealers accountable and make the streets of our neighborhoods a safer place to live."
“A successful operation like this one can only be accomplished through collaboration and communication. Together with our law enforcement partners, were are committed to reducing crime, bringing violent offenders to justice and improving the quality of life for the citizens of Gaston County," stated Chief Buie of Gaston Co. Police Department.
“Continued joint special operations like this keep the citizens of Bessemer City safe. The sharing of information on violent criminals and their movements assist all law enforcement agencies to keep their citizens safe. The Bessemer City Police is dedicated to effective and efficient law enforcement operations to protect our citizens," said Chief Ellis of Bessemer City Police Department.
The charges contained in these indictments are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The investigation is being handled by the ATF, Gaston Co. PD, and Bessemer City PD. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann Claire Phillips of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
