10 arrested in drug investigation

Published 1:52 pm Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Two Lunenburg residents arrested and three Lunenburg residents who remain fugitives are among the 17 individuals identified through a longtime investigation with the Tri-County Drug and Gang Task Force.

John Vaughan

The 10 total individuals arrested had a total of 31 drug and firearm charges, according to a release from the task force. Seven individuals have been indicted as part of the investigation and remain fugitives.

Those fugitives include Timothy Wayne Dooley, of Victoria; Jose Miguel Serrano, of Kenbridge and Steven Michael Serrano, of Victoria.

The Victoria resident who was arrested was John Vaughan, and the Lunenburg resident arrested from Keysville was Robert Earl Dix, according to the release.

Robert Earl Dix

According to a release from the task force, which includes representatives of Lunenburg and Charlotte County’s Sheriff’s Offices, officers conducted the operation Thursday morning at residences across Lunenburg, Charlotte and Mecklenburg counties.

“As a result of the extensive investigation by the Tri-County Drug and Gang Task Force; methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, cocaine, pharmaceutical narcotics and numerous firearms were seized,” the release cited. “The investigation also led to charges of child neglect and distribution of drugs near a school.”

Jose Miguel Serrano

The indictments against the 10 arrestees, according to the release, include distribution of methamphetamine; distribution of cocaine; manufacture marijuana; possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute; possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute; possession of firearms while in possession of schedule II narcotics; possession of heroin; possession of schedule I or II substance; and child neglect. Lunenburg County Sheriff Arthur Townsend took a moment to commend the work of the county and Lunenburg County Deputies and assisting agencies involved in this investigation, according to the release.

“It is this type of cooperation that helps to make our communities a safer place,” Townsend said.

A representative from the task force stated, “The investigation into the illegal distribution of narcotics in

Steven Michael Serrano

Charlotte and Lunenburg counties continues. It is with the communities support and the cooperation between law enforcement agencies like we saw today that we can effectively safeguard our counties.”

Those arrested are:

Travis Wade Hamlett-Phenix, VA-Charlotte Co.

Randolph S. Kube-Charlotte Court House

Donald Wayne Toombs-Keysville

Vern Allen Musante-Randolph

Timothy Wayne Dooley

William Courtney Jones-Red House

Carrie R. Hostetter-Red Oak

John Vaughan-Victoria

Robert Earl Dix-Keysville

Jessie Ray Mullins-Buffalo Junction

Lindsey Pettus-Chase City

Fugitives:

Donald Carnell Bass-Red Oak

Timothy Wayne Dooley-Victoria

Chet Atkins-Keysville

Stacy Joan Coleman-Chesapeake

Charles Moore IV-Chesapeake

Jose Miguel Serrano-Kenbridge

Steven Michael Serrano-Victoria

Those with information about the 7 individuals still wanted are encouraged to contact the Tri-County Drug and Gang Task Force through the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at (434) 542-5141 or the Lunenburg County Sheriff’s Office at (434) 696-4452.

The Tri-County Drug and Gang Task Force is made up of narcotics investigators with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Lunenburg County Sheriff’s Office, and the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Appomattox Field Office, according to the release. The Lunenburg County Sheriff’s Office, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Southside Drug and Gang Task Force, and the Halifax/South Boston Drug and Gang Task Force assisted with Thursday’s arrest. Police have been contacted but no update was available before press time.