‘Operation Shockwave’ ends with 33 charged, seizure of fentanyl to kill over 200k people

Odyssey Fields
·4 min read

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) — The Lynchburg Police Department (LPD) says authorities have seized a potency of fentanyl that can kill over 200,000 people, guns, and additional drugs during “Operation Shockwave.”

Since March 2023, the LPD and several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and more partnered for the operation. Police said the proactive initiative was launched to reduce violent crime and combat prolific conference-driven crime within the community through narcotics distribution, gun trafficking, and gang activity.

Through combined efforts, investigators discovered undercover operations including drug and gun purchases, search warrants, and interdictions of drug and gun suppliers and couriers.

Two charged in connection to body found in burning car in Bedford County in 2023

Police said “Operation Shockwave” led authorities to the seizure of the following:

  • 4.9 kilograms of fentanyl

  • Over 48,000 pressed fentanyl pills

  • Over 6 kilograms of cocaine

  • Over 3.7 kilograms of methamphetamine

  • Over 164 grams of heroin

  • 40 guns

The combined street value of the narcotics seized exceeded $1.6 million.

“Operation Shockwave was a resounding success, showcasing the unwavering dedication of our local, state, and federal law enforcement personnel who partnered to address criminal behavior that threatened the well-being of our community.  We will continue to relentlessly pursue those who put the peace and security of our city at risk,” said Lynchburg Police Department Chief Chief Ryan Zuidema.

The department says the operation also led to the prosecution of 47 people and 33 of these defendants were charged with the following:

  • Charles Jerome Goode of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of an imitation controlled substance, straw purchase of a firearm.

  • Matthew Ogden Lynchburg, VA: Firearm by Felon, larceny of a firearm

  • Delano Alan Butler of Martinsburg, WV: Racketeering (RICO), conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, money laundering, and Continuing Criminal Enterprise.

  • Michelle Lee Byrd of Martinsburg, WV: Racketeering (RICO), conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and money laundering.

  • Oshea Jackson of Lynchburg, VA: Racketeering (RICO), distribution of controlled fentanyl and cocaine, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.

  • April Davidson of Lynchburg, VA: Racketeering (RICO), possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine.

  • Marcavius Rose of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x5) and methamphetamine (x1)

  • Darial Green of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x4), possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

  • Quentin Wesley of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x3)

  • Paul Phelps of Lynchburg, VA: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

  • Stephan Spinner of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x3)

  • Jerome Hall of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x3)

  • Ernest Miller of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x3)

  • Kevon McDaniel of Lynchburg, VA: Possess firearm with a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, reckless endangerment.

  • Fulton Watson of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of fentanyl (x2)

  • Joel Wright of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x4)

  • Brandon Lee Hall of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of fentanyl (x3)

  • John Ashley of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine

  • Jakiva Cobbs of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine

  • Alphonso Worley of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine

  • Antonio Charlton of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x2)

  • Deshawn Chesnutt of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x2)

  • Brian Rose of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x2)

  • Julian Venable of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x3)

  • Timothy Paige of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x3)

  • Michael Lamont Payne of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x4), firearm by convicted felon.

  • Kerry Martin of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of fentanyl (x4)

  • Kathleen Moorman of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of methamphetamine (x2)

  • Jermaine Parker of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine (x2)

  • Joseph Jones of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of cocaine

  • Demetrius Withers of Lynchburg, VA: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Police confirmed that the following people are still wanted:

  • Jonathan Early of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of cocaine

  • Julian Slaughter of Lynchburg, VA: Distribution of methamphetamine (x2)

“The success of this operation is a testament to the hard work, sacrifice, and tenacity of our law enforcement officers and agencies. Public safety is their prime objective and through these efforts, they continue to meet that goal.  We are grateful to work side-by-side with such professionals,” said Lynchburg’s Commonwealth’s Attorney, Bethany Harrison.

“Our law enforcement partners did a tremendous job investigating this complex network of individuals distributing narcotics. It is an honor to work alongside such dedicated officers,” said Nelson County Commonwealth’s Attorney, Daniel Rutherford.

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