Update: 5 Arrested In Drug Trafficking Operation

According to Sheriff Ed Graybeal, a one day investigation led to the arrest of 5 persons involved in Trafficking Cocaine in the Washington County area.

Those charged include:
Antonio Romero Chavez, age 30, Johnson City
Cecilia R Heatherly, age 33, Johnson City
Emigdio Rodriguez, age 32, Bristol, TN
Elias Lopez, age 50, Limestone
Jose Angel Hernandez; age 32, Limestone

All five face federal charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or more of Cocaine, and Conspiracy to Distribute 500 grams or more Cocaine.

The investigation began when a sheriff’s deputy stopped Chavez for driving erratically on Highway 11E. The officer determined that Chavez was under the Influence of drugs. Washington County Sheriff’s Office’s K9 “Scout” alerted officers to the presence of drugs in the truck.

Officers notified the Criminal Investigations Division after $20,000 cash was found inside a black suitcase in the truck.

The investigation then lead officers to a storage unit located at 3575 Highway 11E, where Rodriguez, Lopez and Hernandez were observed loading items from a storage unit. A search of their vehicle resulted in the seizure of over $68,000 cash and 2.2 pounds of powdered cocaine.

Heatherly, who was in the vehicle during the traffic stop, was arrested when she came to the storage unit to get money to pay Chavez’s bond.

Investigators also searched two homes (488 Washington College Road, and 907 Antioch Road #6)  where more evidence was seized in addition to $6,800 cash.

This Investigation resulted in the seizure of 2.2 pounds of cocaine, which when broken down into user amounts would be worth nearly $100,000. Also seized was over $100,000 cash and 2 vehicles.

All five suspects are being held without bond pending an arraignment later this week.