Joint Investigation in Halifax County Results in Seven Arrests

Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) special agents in collaboration with the Halifax/South Boston Gang and Narcotics Task Force wrapped up an investigation into the illegal sale of alcohol and drugs last week with seven arrests.

Acting on information provided by Halifax County Sheriff Fred Clark and South Boston Police Chief James Binner, Virginia ABC special agents worked with the task force to identify suspects and locations of several areas known for illegal sales of alcohol and drugs. With the assistance of the Virginia State Police Tactical Team in executing search warrants, the joint law enforcement effort resulted in charges for criminal offenses ranging from selling alcohol without a license to possession with intent to sell cocaine.

Charged in the operation were:

• Lawanda Chandler, 41, of the 1000 block of Bane Street, South Boston: two misdemeanor counts of selling alcohol without a license;
• Ricky M. Chandler, 50, of the 1000 block of Bane Street, South Boston: one misdemeanor count of possessing untaxed alcohol and one misdemeanor count of selling alcohol without a license;
• Marque L. Lawson, 22, of the 1000 block of Bane Street, South Boston: two misdemeanor counts of distributing less than an ounce of marijuana;
• Jessie James Mosley, 66, of the 100 block of Robin Hood Road, South Boston: one misdemeanor count of selling alcohol without a license;
• LaTroy Saunders, 36, of the 1000 block of Bane Street, South Boston: one misdemeanor count of possession with intent to sell cocaine and two misdemeanor counts of distributing less than an ounce of marijuana;
• Jamal Traynham, 24, of the 3200 block of Thompson Store Road, Vernon Hill: one misdemeanor count of possession of marijuana; and
• Terrence Traynham, 21, of the 3200 block of Thompson Store Road, Vernon Hill: one misdemeanor count of possession of marijuana.

South Boston Police report that calls for service have decreased in the area and no complaints for the illegal sales of alcohol have been received since the operation concluded last week.

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The Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is a major source of revenue for the commonwealth, contributing more than $1.8 billion to the general fund in the last five years. The agency currently operates 351 state stores. Its Bureau of Law Enforcement oversees more than 16,000 ABC licensed establishments while the Hearings and Appeals Division considers more than 700 cases each year. The agency also provides alcohol education and prevention programs for people of all ages. Now celebrating its 80th anniversary, ABC remains committed to progress and innovation in carrying out its control, service and revenue mission.