WCSO, Boone PD, Lenoir PD Bust Large Cocaine Distribution Ring

14 Arrested in Local Trailer Parks, Surrounding Area

Pictured (from left to right) Fernando Aranda Nunez, Emmanuel Aranda Nunez, Jennifer Dawn Proffitt, Heather April Hayes, Gabriel Enrique Tomas, and Alejandro Cruz Trejo.

A nine-month investigation led to the arrest of 14 people this week and the seizure of nine ounces of cocaine, 2.5 ounces of crack cocaine and five illegal firearms.

The investigation began in the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) Special Operations Unit and spread to involve multiple local, county, state and federal agencies. In a synchronized sweep operation on Thursday, July 9, officers from WCSO, Boone Police Department (BPD) and Lenoir Police Department put a stop to the largest cocaine distribution ring in the area.

The investigation began in the fall of 2008, lead by an agent of the WCSO. Through months of undercover work, the ongoing operation culminated in obtaining search warrants and arrest warrants for those involved.

On July 9, those warrants were served in a single sweep by tactical teams from WCSO and BPD at multiple locations in Hampton Trailer Park, Bradford Trailer Park and Watauga River Road. Approximately 45 officers were involved from local departments, as well as federal, State Bureau of Investigation and N.C. Department of Revenue agents. A representative of the N.C. Department of Social Services was also present for the operation in case young children were encountered in the homes. Three interpreters, one from WCSO and two federal agents, were also involved for the Spanish-speaking individuals.

“This is the culmination of many, many hours, weeks and months of work in an attempt to remove hard core traffickers of dangerous narcotics from the county,” said Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman.

The man investigators believe to be leading the cocaine ring, Fernando Aranda Nunez, 28, was taken into custody by Lenoir Police Department. Nunez had been living in Watauga when the investigation began, but relocated to Lenoir a few months ago. He was served with warrants on charges of three counts of conspiracy to sell and/or deliver cocaine, trafficking cocaine and maintaining a vehicle for purposes relating to a controlled substance.

In Watauga County, Nunez’s brother, Emmanuel Aranda Nunez, 25, of 738 Watauga River Road, Sugar Grove, was also arrested. He was charged with three counts of possession with the intent to sell and/or deliver cocaine, two counts of the sale and/or delivery of cocaine and two counts of conspiracy to sell and/or deliver cocaine.

Alejandro Cruz Trejo, 27, of 738 Watauga River Road, Sugar Grove, was charged with three counts of possession with the intent to sell and/or deliver cocaine, the sale and delivery of cocaine and two counts of conspiracy to sell and/or deliver cocaine.

Sergio Ivan Mendoza (also known as Sergio Gonzalez Mendoza), 32, of 132 Battle Cove Lane, Boone, was charged with two counts of possession with the intent to sell and/or deliver cocaine, seven counts of the sale and delivery of cocaine, trafficking cocaine by sale, trafficking cocaine by possession and trafficking cocaine by delivery.

Gabriel Enrique Tomas, 30, of 180 Bluebird Lane, Boone, was charged with two counts of possession with intent to sell and/or deliver cocaine, two counts of the sale and/or delivery of cocaine, two counts of conspiracy to sell and/or deliver cocaine, trafficking cocaine by possession, trafficking cocaine by sale, conspiracy to traffic cocaine and maintaining a dwelling for purposes relating to a controlled substance.

Heather April Hayes (also known as Heather Simpson Hayes), 33, of 180 Bluebird Lane, Boone, was charged with two counts of possession with intent to sell and/or deliver cocaine, two counts of the sale and/or delivery of cocaine, two counts of conspiracy to sell and/or deliver cocaine, trafficking cocaine by possession, trafficking cocaine by sale, conspiracy to traffic cocaine and maintaining a dwelling for purposes related to a controlled substance.

Jennifer Dawn Proffitt, 33, of 312 Bluebird Lane, Boone, was charged with possession with intent to sell and/or deliver cocaine, the sale and delivery of cocaine, and conspiracy to sell and/or deliver cocaine.

Luis Alberto Espinoza, 28, of 135 Hampton Trailer Court, Boone, was arrested in Ashe County on charges of possession with intent to sell and/or deliver cocaine, conspiracy to traffic cocaine, trafficking by sale, trafficking by transport, trafficking by delivery, and maintaining a vehicle for purposes related to a controlled substance.

His brother, Victor Manuel Espinoza, 25, of 135 Hampton Trailer Court, Boone, was also arrested in Ashe County on charges of possession with intent to sell and/or deliver cocaine, conspiracy to traffic cocaine, trafficking by sale, trafficking by transport and trafficking by delivery.

The investigation netted a total of 80 felony drug charges. The special operations unit of WCSO said additional charges are pending and the investigation is ongoing.

“I am so very proud and pleased with this initial strike. Hopefully, this will send a positive message that by working cooperatively much can and will be accomplished to stem the flow of trafficking dangerous narcotics to our citizens, and more especially to our youth,” said Hagaman.

The seized narcotics have an estimated street value of $31,730.

The sheriff’s office will continue to work with federal agencies on this investigation.

“Many of the folks involved in this illegal activity were non-taxpaying and non-county residents, and I fear this is only the tip of the iceberg,” said Hagaman.