Saturday, April 12, 2008

3 drug raids net 5 arrests

Noteworthy in today's HP article are the use of the term "net" in the title, the term "drug house" multiple times, and the fact that law enforcement is now using tasers on BH residents. "Net" implies the idea that arresting BH residents is a major goal in Berrien County. "Drug house" is such a derogatory term which conjures up all kinds of images and meanings for the reader. And, can you imagine the use of tasers in St. Joe? This new weapon against citizens has come under scrutiny by many - here's just one article from November.
(Tasers Are A Form Of Torture
- http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/25/national/main3537803.shtml)

The phony US "war on drugs" makes law enforcement actions like this possible. Lives are ruined, sometimes for good. But, that's what Berrien County has in mind. (Excellent site:
www.narconews.com)


BENTON HARBOR April 12, 2008 By JULIE SWIDWA Herald Palladium
Five people were jailed on investigation of drug charges after police raided three residences in the city Friday morning.

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Unit, assisted by county road patrol and Benton Harbor police, acted on search warrants after a weeklong investigation into citizen tips about alleged drug activity at the three places.

At 466 E. Empire Ave., Apt. 1, police arrested Frankie Lee Carlton III, 26, on investigation of charges of possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, maintaining a drug house and possession of a police scanner during the commission of a crime; and Natasha Ann Bobo, 20, on investigation of a charge of maintaining a drug house. A 17-year-old girl also at the residence was released after the 6:45 a.m. search.

Police said they found about $60 worth of suspected crack cocaine and other evidence of drug dealing and seized $355 cash under civil forfeiture law.

Around 8 a.m., police went to 747 Colfax Ave., Apt. 1. They arrested Justin Lee Shannon, 21, on investigation of charges of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver (second offense), maintaining a drug house (second offense), and resisting and obstructing a police officer. Police said Shannon refused to comply with verbal commands, so they used a Taser to help apprehend him. Police found about $100 worth of suspected marijuana and other evidence of drug dealing and seized $37 cash.

Also arrested at the Colfax Avenue apartment was Leneice Marie Wallace, 28, on investigation of a charge of maintaining a drug house (second offense). A 12-year-old child was turned over to a family member, police said.

According to a sheriff’s department news release, Wallace also had been arrested at the same address after police executed a search warrant there on March 18. She pleaded guilty on April 8 in Berrien County Trial Court to a charge of maintaining a drug house and is currently on a deferred sentence on that conviction, police said.

The third drug bust was at 846 Mineral Ave. around 9:25 a.m. Police said they found about $320 worth of suspected crack cocaine, a small amount of suspected marijuana and other evidence of drug trafficking.

Phillip Dominique-Sharrah York, 19, was arrested on investigation of charges of possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, possession of marijuana and maintaining a drug house.