Unicoi Drug Arrests Catch Suspects Selling To Teens

Several arrests were made yesterday in conjunction with the supply of prescription drugs to teenagers in Unicoi County, according to Sheriff Kent Harris.

The investigation started a year ago, and ultimately led to the arrest of 10 people under the supervision of the Unicoi County Sheriff’s Department. Some of the arrests were connected, and only some of them are accused of supplying drugs to teenagers.

According to Harris, tips from family members helped bring in the suspects and aided in the investigation by Investigator Frank Rogers.

Here’s a list of those who were arrested, and their charges:

Micheal J. Payne, 31, 301 Dove Meadows Lane, Unicoi is charged with sale of schedule III (Suboxone) and criminal conspiracy.

April D. Ferguson, 26, 204 Dove Meadows Lane #26, Unicoi is charged with criminal conspiracy and sale of schedule III narcotics, two counts for sale of Suboxone.

James F. Aran, 69, aka “Boat Dock”, 3051 Unicoi Drive Apt. A, Unicoi, is charged with three counts of sale of a schedule II drug (morphine) and sale of schedule III (hydrocodone).

Welber S. Randon, 21, 1412 Colony Park Drive, Lot 11, Johnson City, is charged with the sale of schedule II (cocaine).

Patricia Sanchez, 34, 201 Edna Court Apt. 102, Johnson City, is charged with facilitation of a felony and simple possession.

Micheal A. White, 27, 301 Dove Meadows Court, #21, Unicoi is charged with the sale of a schedule II drug (oxycodone), possession of schedule II for resale and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Steven A. Martin, 21, 1217 N. Main Street, Erwin is charged with the sale of schedule II drugs, delivery of schedule II and III drugs and criminal conspiracy.

Stephen R. Shepstead, 18, 125 Sycamore Street, Erwin, is charged with three counts of sale of a schedule III drug.

Nikieta C. Mumpower, 20, 536 Washington Street, Erwin, is charged with the delivery of a schedule III drug and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

In these arrests, four vehicles, $1,123 in cash and three handguns were seized. One of those handguns was stolen.