BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. (BTW21) — Six people in Bedford County have been arrested and charged in connection with narcotics and firearm-related offenses, according to Bedford County Sheriff Mike Miller.
The arrests came after a collaborative effort by the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, and the Town of Bedford Police Department.
The charges include possession and distribution of controlled substances, with some individuals facing multiple firearm-related offenses.
The roundup was part of an ongoing investigation aimed at curbing the local drug trade and related criminal activity.
Below are the names of the individuals indicted and their respective charges:
William Thurston – Possession of Schedule I or II controlled substance
Jeffery Phillips – Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Jeffrey Reynolds – Possession of a controlled substance, Possession of a firearm while in possession of a Schedule I or II substance, Possession of a firearm by a felon
Bryant Reynolds – Distribution of a controlled substance (x3), Possession of a controlled substance
Kassadi Hartman – Distribution of a controlled substance (x3)
Brian Nellum – Distribution of a controlled substance (x6)
The arrests are part of an ongoing effort to disrupt drug trafficking and violence in the region.
Sheriff Miller stated that the joint operation demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing the opioid crisis and the dangerous intersection between drugs and firearms.
The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with additional information about these individuals or their activities to come forward.
Tips can be reported directly to the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office at 540-586-4800, Bedford County dispatch at 540-586-7827, or through Central Virginia Crime Stoppers at 1-888-798-5900.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, and more charges may be forthcoming as they work to dismantle the local drug distribution network.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more details emerge.