Pestilence...

On Monday November 5, 2012, The Greenville Regional Drug Task Force concluded a long-term investigation into drug and weapons violations in Greenville and Pitt County.  This investigation culminated in the arrest of three high-ranking United Blood Nation (UBN) gang members from the Greenville area. 

The investigation lasted over 5 months and found the suspects in these cases were buying and selling stolen weapons,  selling and buying drugs and supplying other street level drug dealers, and conspiring to commit other violent crimes.

Multiple agencies participated in the investigation, including agents from the ATF, DEA, US Marshals, the Gang Unit of the Greenville Police Department, and patrol elements from both the Greenville Police Department and Pitt County Sheriff’s Office.

The following offenders have been arrested:

Ernest Joshon Wright, 26 years old, of Greenville was arrested at 891 Fleming School Rd.  He was charged with 6 counts of Possession of Firearm by Felon, 3 counts of Sell or Deliver marijuana, 2 counts of Sell or Deliver Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver marijuana, Possession with intent to Sell or Deliver a Schedule 1 controlled substance, and Maintaining a Dwelling for a Controlled Substance.  Wright was jailed under a $1,000,000.00 bond.

Wright has at least 34 prior arrests for crimes such as assault with a deadly weapon, various drug violations, armed robbery,  assault with intent to kill, and possession of a firearm by felon.

Chicobe Antrell Williams, 28 years old, of Greenville was arrested at 1130 Teakwood Dr. in Greenville.  He was charged with 7 counts of Possession with Intent to Sell/Deliver Cocaine, 7 counts of Sell or Deliver cocaine, and 3 counts of Conspiracy to Sell Cocaine.  At the time of his arrest he was in possession of 28 grams of Crack Cocaine.  He was also jailed under a $1,000,000.00 bond.

Williams has at least 39 prior arrests for such crimes as assault inflicting serious injury, possession of cocaine, conspiracy to sell cocaine, breaking & entering, and assault on a female.

Robert Lee Hopkins, 29 years old, of Greenville was arrested near the intersection of 14^th St. and Myrtle Ave.  He was charged with 11 counts of Possession with intent to Sell or Deliver cocaine, 9 counts Maintaining a Vehicle or Dwelling for a Controlled Substance, and 11 counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Hopkins was jailed under a $650,000.00 bond. 

Hopkins has at least 25 prior arrests for various crimes including assault on a female, possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, kidnapping, and larceny.

These arrests highlighted the cooperation of multiple agencies in order to get dangerous drugs, weapons and offenders off the street.

The investigation continues and additional arrests may occur as the case moves forward.

Members of the Greenville Regional Drug Task Force include the Greenville Police Department, the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office, the State Bureau of Investigation and the Farmville Police Department.