LPD arrests two from undercover investigation

The Lepanto Police Department is continuing its fight against drugs. Officers arrested two men on March 9 following a year-long undercover drug investigation.

Charles Thomas, 22, and Zebarious Shepard, 27, both of 410 Miles Street in Lepanto, were arrested March 9 during a traffic stop on warrants stemming from the undercover investigation.

As a result of the investigation, Shepard was charged with three counts of delivery of a controlled substance (crack-cocaine,) sold within 1,000 feet of a church, school or government facility; delivery of a controlled substance (counterfeit crack-cocaine) sold within 1,000 feet of a church, school or government facility; delivery of a controlled substance (counterfeit methamphetamine) sold within 1,000 feet of a church, school or government facility; delivery of a controlled substance (marijuana) sold within 1,000 feet of a church, school or government facility; and operating a continuous criminal enterprise within 1,000 feet of a church, school or government facility.

As a result of the traffic stop, Shepard was charged with possession of a controlled substance (crack-cocaine) with intent to deliver. He had 7.8 grams of crack-cocaine on his person when he was arrested. He was also charged with misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) and bringing prohibited articles into the jail area.

Thomas also received several charges as a result of the investigation including delivery of a controlled substance (methamphetamine,) sold within 1,000 feet of a church, school or government facility; delivery of a controlled substance (crack-cocaine,) sold within 1,000 feet of a church, school or government facility; delivery of a controlled substance (counterfeit crack-cocaine) sold within 1,000 feet of a church, school or government facility; and operating a continuous criminal enterprise within 1,000 feet of a church, school or government facility.

As a result of the traffic stop, Thomas was also charged with misdemeanor possession of an instrument of a crime.

Both suspects went before District Judge Ron Hunter March 11. Shepard was given a cash only bond of $250,000 and Thomas received a $50,000 cash only bond.

"This arrest comes from a lot of hard work and long hours from the entire Lepanto Police Department," said Lepanto Police chief John W. Davis. "We are working hard with all agencies across the county for a healthier and drug free Poinsett County."

Both Shepard and Thomas are set to appear in Circuit Court in Harrisburg at 8:30 a.m. April 27.