June 10, 2002

Covert, Michigan.   A three-month investigation into blatant drug trafficking, right across the street from the Covert Township Police Department, has resulted in the arrest warrants for 19 suspected drug dealers. The arrests on Friday June 7, 2002, also resulted in 28 drug delivery charges, including delivery of cocaine in a school zone. The brazen drug dealing was often in sight of the Covert Township Police Department located in downtown Covert and at Bicentennial Park where undercover officers made numerous purchases of cocaine.

In today’s sweep, officers from SWET, Covert Township Police Department, Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police South Haven Post, and the Bangor Police Department fanned out across Covert Township, South Haven Township, and the Village of Bangor to serve the multiple warrants for narcotics delivery. Also assisting were drug sniffing dogs from the South Haven Police Department and the Michigan State Police Bridgman Post.

At the same time the suspects were being arrested, search warrants were also being executed at known drug houses in the area. Multiple raid teams from SWET and the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department conducted the raids. "One of the residences raided, 74479 Orchard Place, Covert Township, was the scene of a recent shooting which authorities believe was drug related," said Covert Township Police Chief Rick Winans.

"The investigation and resulting sweeps conducted today were meant to curtail the brazen drug dealing and related drug crimes in Covert Township," said D/Lt. Michael Brown, commander of SWET West Unit. "The arrests made today should put a major dent in the drug trafficking trade in the township and county. Hopefully now, the citizens can once again enjoy Bicentennial Park and the surrounding area."

"The amount of work it took to see such great results in such a short period of time is due in part to the addition of an officer from Covert Township Police Department," stated D/F/Lt. Bill Ford, commander of SWET. "The Covert Township Board committed an officer to participate in the SWET West office and that officer’s knowledge of local narcotics trafficking was instrumental in getting drugs and these drug dealers off the streets. We greatly appreciate the support of the Covert Township Board in stepping to the plate."

"As we all know the primary mission of law enforcement is to apprehend criminals which will enhance the quality of life for our law abiding citizens. This sweep resulting in the arrest of blatant street dealers will go a long way to ensure the quality of life for good people of the area," said Van Buren County Sheriff Dale Gribler.

Arrested on June 7, 2002 were:

Leon Lamont Bell, 07/18/80, Covert, MI

Robert Jason Bruton, 05/14/82, Covert, MI

Maurice Chavell Cunigan, 08/29/66, Covert, MI

Keith Barry Goodman, 03/04/79, Covert, MI

Vance Lamont Hale, 06/21/82, Bangor, MI

Mario Montez Johnson, 05/11/76, Covert, MI

Timothy O’Connor Johnson, 05/04/66, South Haven, MI

Shondel Solomon Newell, 03/14/78 South Haven, MI

Takia Roshelle Scales, 05/17/77, Covert, MI

Caskadara Ishan Smith, 01/12/76, Covert, MI

Leon Daniel Smith, 11/15/64, Bangor, MI

Melvin Ward, 05/20/78, Covert, MI

Nicole Jean Weekly, 09/10/70, South Haven, MI

Six other individuals were arrested during the raids for a variety of charges including frequenting a drug house and fugitive warrants. Authorities also indicated they are still seeking seven other individuals wanted on felony delivery of cocaine warrants.

Houses raided as a result of search warrants included:

75531 CR 378 Covert, MI

74479 Orchard Place Covert, MI

73594 26^th Ave. Covert, MI

These houses were identified by investigators as having a history of heavy narcotics dealing including a large volume of drug customers. In all, authorities seized more than $2,749.00 in cash and $2,500.00 worth of cocaine. Additional forfeiture of property is expected as a result of the raids and arrests.

Officials are continuing their investigation. Citizens with any information on the suspects, or activities at the addresses above, are asked to call the SWET West Office, (616) 637-4416. All calls are confidential.

Read more press releases from the Michigan State Police.