NC Drug Investigations Yield Arrests and Large Fentanyl Seizure

Two separate drug investigations in North Carolina ended with arrests and seizures. A months-long investigation in Eastern North Carolina came to an end Saturday morning, April 18, around 11 a.m., when Rocky Mount police pulled over a vehicle tied to the case. Kendrick Williams, of Rocky Mount, was behind the wheel. During the stop, investigators found a significant amount of drugs — including more than half a kilogram of suspected fentanyl powder, fentanyl pills, cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine. After that, authorities carried out a search warrant at Williams' home, where investigators found even more drugs, along with cash and firearms. Williams is facing two felony counts of trafficking opiates and is being held in the Nash County Jail without bond. Officials say the case isn't over yet, and more charges could be forthcoming.

The investigation was conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Rocky Mount Police, sheriff's offices in Wilson, Nash, Edgecombe, and Halifax counties, and federal partners including the ATF, DEA, and Homeland Security Investigations.

In a separate case, five people are behind bars after a lengthy drug investigation in Rutherford County. The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office said that over a period of time, deputies investigated multiple cases at a home in the 100 block of Lavista Circle in Forest City. Throughout the investigation, deputies continued receiving numerous complaints and tips from the community about suspected illegal narcotics activity at the home. Investigators with the Aggressive Criminal Enforcement (ACE) went to the home to conduct a follow-up investigation and speak with occupants. Investigators made contact with Neal Cabiness, the homeowner, who was told about the complaints and information sent to investigators about suspected narcotics sales happening at the home. Cabiness then voluntarily consented to a search of the property. While inside the home, investigators encountered Donald J. Kampa, Julie W. Glynn, James D. Phillips and Stanley L. Weeks. The search led to the seizure of about 14 grams of powder fentanyl, 1.5 grams of meth, 12.05 grams of marijuana and numerous items of drug paraphernalia.

The investigation led to the following people being arrested and charged:

• Cabiness was given a $10,000 secured bond for maintaining a vehicle/dwelling for a controlled substance.
• Kampa was denied bond for trafficking in fentanyl, possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver fentanyl, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Phillips was denied bond for trafficking in fentanyl, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Glynn was denied bond for trafficking in fentanyl and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Weeks was given a $10,000 secured bond for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The sheriff's office encourages residents to continue reporting suspicious or illegal activity, as information provided by the public is often instrumental in initiating and advancing criminal investigations.