On Monday afternoon, members of the Middletown Division of Police and Warren County Drug Task Force issued a search warrant to a residence in the 3200 block of Beatrice Drive, police said. Maj. Scott Reeve said members of the department’s Special Operations Unit investigated potential illegal drug activity in the house for about one year.
“It takes time to develop information,” Reeve told this news outlet.
Danielle Carr, 31, of Middletown, appeared this morning in Middletown Municipal Court after she was charged with drug abuse/methamphetamine and drug abuse/fentanyl, both felonies. Visiting Judge J. Howard Sundermann set her preliminary hearing for March 13. She was appointed attorney Sam Borst.
Reeve called that much methamphetamine “a pretty major bust,” and it was especially important because the house is near Mayfield Elementary School.
“A major dealer makes an impact in the neighborhood,” said Reeve, who encouraged residents to contact police if they suspect drug activity.
He described the methamphetamine as “high quality” and not the type made in a backyard with two-liter bottles. He said the drugs probably came from “a pretty large lab.”
When police searched the home, besides the methamphetamine, they found a small amount of fentanyl, ecstasy and two loaded handguns.
Numerous people inside the residence were arrested with more criminal charges forthcoming, police said.
The following were arrested:
- Nathan Berry, warrants out of Butler County Sheriff's Office;
- Justin Carr, obstructing official business/warrants;
- Brandon Gambrel, warrants out of Middletown;
- James Gambrel, drug abuse/methamphetamine and warrants
James Gambrel will have his preliminary hearing March 13, and the charges against Justin Carr were withdrawn by the prosecutor, according to court documents.
About the Author