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ECSO, Rincon drug bust nets 12
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A joint operation by the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office and the Rincon Police Department resulted in 12 arrests and the seizure of a large amount of drugs Thursday night, according to reports.

Investigators received information that prescription drugs were being sold from a residence on Walnut Way in Rincon. Investigators conducted surveillance on the residence and made controlled purchases over a period of several weeks.

While conducting surveillance, investigators intercepted a large quantity of roxycodone being brought to the residence to be sold. Two suspects were arrested at that time for sale of controlled substance. Investigators then conducted a reverse sting operation in Rincon, where several more suspects were arrested for various drug charges.

Arrested in the operation were: Willie Dempsey, 36, of Meldrim; Robert Hicks III, 26, of Rincon; Chad Crowder, 25, of Midway; Ariel Smith, 21, of Clyo; Madison Early, 20, of Springfield; Jordan Gilpin, 28, of Guyton; Keith Gilbert, 37, of Springfield; Johnny Meredith, 26, of Rincon; Twila Mordaunt-Barrett, 43, of DeLand Fla.; Marlene Porter, 39, of DeLand; Daniel Dickerson, 42, of DeLand; and James Brown, 42, of Orange City, Fla.

These suspects face several charges from possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, unlawful possession of pseudoephedrine, sale of controlled substance, conspiracy to commit a crime, along with other drug charges.

Three vehicles were seized and approximately $1,000 in prescription pills was taken off the streets.

“Investigators from both the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office and the Rincon Police Department will continue these types of operations to eradicate drugs from our community,” said Effingham Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie.

Additional arrests are expected as this is an ongoing operation.