CARROLLTON
A Franklin man is wanted by the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office in connection with a months-long investigation into the distribution and sale of illegal narcotics. The investigation was conducted in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations and the Meherrin Drug Task Force, beginning in Isle of Wight County and quickly spreading throughout the Hampton Roads region.

Antonio Turner, 23, of Franklin, who goes by the alias “Boots,” is wanted on numerous drug trafficking charges in connection with this investigation, as is Henry Roberto Menendez, 26, of Newport News, who goes by the alias “Hin-Ree.” According to the Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office, all other suspects in this case have been arrested.

The investigation began with Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Deputies investigating claims of child abuse and neglect in the 100 block of Shelter Cove Way in Carrollton, and, during their investigation, discovered the sale and distribution of large quantities of cocaine, as well as information that lead to additional narcotics investigations throughout the region. During the course of this investigation, almost two kilos of cocaine were recovered and according to Lt. Tommy Potter, spokesman for the Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office, they believe that this group is also responsible for the trafficking of an additional three kilos of cocaine.

Altogether, this accounts for over $535,000 worth of illegal narcotics. During the investigation, a total of seven firearms were seized, one of which was reported stolen. In addition, over $50,000 was seized. This money was gained as a direct result of illegal narcotics trafficking, deputies say.

Investigators arrested and have sought state and/or federal indictments on nine individuals in connection with the investigation thus far. They are Ronnie L. Jackson, a.k.a. “Gucci,” 36, of Isle of Wight County; Antonio Renaldo Wallace, a.k.a. “Tone,” 34, of Hampton; Algernon Whittier Christian, a.k.a. “Beno,” 34, of Hampton; Ernest Semaj Thorpe, a.k.a. “Erno,” 25, of Suffolk; Kenyatta Raquan Wood, a.k.a. “Quan,” 21, of Suffolk; Deshane Dermaine Savage, a.k.a. “Bones,” 33, of Suffolk; Raydrin Alexander Smith, a.k.a. “Young Blood,” 27, of Suffolk; Kareem Hunter, 21, of Suffolk; and Ashton Stuart Hacket, 25, of Newport News.