WCSO Detectives Seize Drugs, Weapons and More; Five Arrested, Others Pending
The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division have arrested five people (with charges pending against others) in an investigation that netted more than $300,00 in cash, 100 pounds of marijuana, large amounts of cocaine, pharmaceuticals, weapons, vehicles, recreational vehicles, and motorcycles. All are believed to be linked to a to an organized group of drug dealers.
“This was an outstanding job by our Narcotics Team in conjunction with Metro Nashville Police Drug and Gang Units and the 15th Judicial Drug Task Force,” said Sheriff Robert Bryan. “And as always, we thank the concerned, brave citizens willing to come forward to help rid our society of the menace the drug trade has produced. All of the meticulous attention to detail, hard work and long hours has truly paid off. We are so proud of everyone involved in this investigation.”
Narcotics detectives began investigating the illegal distribution of large quantities of marijuana in Lebanon in February, 2015. When they conducted a search on Feb. 27, 2015 at 5130 Linwood Rd in Lebanon, detectives recovered more than two pounds of marijuana and over $10,000 in cash and weapons. As a result, the Wilson County Grand Jury indicted Jeffrey Waylon Craddock, who resides at this residence. He has been arrested for violation of his parole and additional charges. Craddock has been and currently is incarcerated at the Wilson County Correctional facility in Lebanon.
While incarcerated at the facility, Craddock continued to actively participate in the distribution of marijuana in Wilson County. Upon further investigation, detectives discovered more evidence connected to Craddock’s arrest. It was determined the arrest was connected with several search warrants served in July 2015 in Wilson and Smith County. One search warrant executed at 4251 South Commerce Rd. in Watertown netted over 30 pounds of marijuana, and more than $20,000 in cash and weapons. Gary Neil VonStorch, Jr., who resides at the residence was arrested on charges stemming from the search and indicted by a Wilson County Grand Jury.
Another search warrant conducted in July 2015 at 320 B Trousdale Ferry Pike Lebanon, uncovered over $1,500 cash along with two pounds of marijuana and cocaine. Michael Mondrell Grooms, a resident of the address, was indicted by the Wilson County Grand Jury and arrested on numerous charges as a result.
In a joint effort with the 15th Judicial Drug Task Force, WCSO Narcotics deterctives executed a search warrant at 22 McGinnis Lane Brush Creek, where they uncovered more than five pounds of marijuana and over $20,000 in cash. Jason Lee Copeland was indicted by the Wilson County Grand Jury and arrested on charges stemming from the search of his residence.
Narcotics Detectives continued to develop leads and information pertaining to illegal trafficking involving this organized distribution. On Nov. 18, 2015, detectives conducted a traffic stop on Sparta Pike at Spring Creek Bridge in Lebanon and arrested David Alan (aka Bubba) Hankins for driving on a revoked Tennessee driver’s license. Upon searching the vehicle Hankins was driving, they recovered more than 48 pounds of marijuana and over $700 in cash. Based on information received through various sources, detectives believe David Hankins has taken over the distribution of marijuana while Jeffrey Craddock is incarcerated.
Further investigation after Hankins’ arrest, WCSO Narcotics detectives through a joint effort with Nashville Metro Vice and gang unit conducted a search warrant at 1441 Pleasant Hill Rd, Nashville. Narcotics Detectives believed based on confidential information that this was the location of the supplier of marijuana that was being distributed by the organization. They recovered over $200,000 in cash and weapons during the Nashville address search. Metro Nashville and WCSO Narcotics detectives continue their investigation into the residence along with its occupants.
Additional search warrants were executed at 7497 Trousdale Ferry Pike in Lebanon and at 36052 Old Nashville Highway in Alexandria, uncovering an undisclosed amount of cash and pharmaceuticals. No arrests has been made although a Grand Jury is being requested.
As a result of this investigation Detectives have seized and recovered over $300,00.00 in cash, 100 lbs of marijuana, cocaine, pharmaceuticals, weapons, vehicles, recreational vehicles, and motorcycles. All obtained or uses in the distribution of illegal narcotics.
Arrested to date are:
*Jeffrey Waylon Craddock: charged with possession marijuana, conspiracy to possess marijuana, two counts of money laundering and two counts possession of firearms during the commission of a felony;
*Gary Neil VonStorch Jr: charged with possession of marijuana, two counts of conspiracy to possess marijuana, one county money laundering, and two counts of possession of firearms during the commission of a felony;
*Jason Lee Copeland: charged with possession of marijuana, two counts of conspiracy to possess marijuana and money launderin;
*Michael Mondrell Grooms: charged with possession of marijuana, two counts of conspiracy possess marijuana and money laundering;
*David Alan (aka Bubba Hankins): charged with driving on a revoked Tennessee driver’s license.
The investigation into David Alan Hankins’ involvement is ongoing. A Grand Jury investigation is being requested by WCSO Narcotics detectives though the District Attorney’s Office.