Rachel Dove-Baldwin
Staff Writer
WEST WILLIAMSON — “I told the residents of this county while campaigning for the office of sheriff that getting drugs off the streets was my main objective,” stated Mingo County Sheriff Eugene Crum. “Today, I signed my first criminal complaint since taking the oath of office and it was a warrant for possession and delivery of prescription drugs.”
“This arrest is the first of many to come. I will keep the promise I made, I will stand on my word.”
The Mingo County Drug Task Force, with Williamson Police (WPD) Chief C.D. Rockel now serving as Special Investigator, had received a number of complaints alleging drug buys at a West Williamson resident located near the Fairview Cemetery. An investigation was opened by the WPD and the Mingo County Sheriff’s Department (MCSD) and controlled buys were made. Friday morning, arrest and search warrants were obtained against the homeowner and a drug raid was conducted a short time later.
Charles “Chuck” Ray Hubbard, Jr., 56, was arrested and charged with 1 count of delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance (Oxycontin), possession with intent to deliver a Schedule II controlled substance (Oxycontin) and possession with intent to deliver a Schedule III controlled substance (Hydrocodone).
Hubbard, a retired employee of the Williamson Water Department and whose father owned and operated a former Fairview business, Hubbard Motor Company, was living in what was described by law enforcement as “deplorable conditions” inside a 2-story home in a quiet, residential area of Williamson. Outward appearances would not give a passerby reason to suspect illegal activity taking place, but neighbors had a different story to tell.
“Complaints have been called in by numerous people living near the defendant telling us about high-volume traffic at the home and other useful information, which sent up a red flag and placed Mr. Hubbard on our radar,” stated Rockel. “It takes time to work any investigation to the point that you’re ready to make an arrest - there’s no quick fix. We have to get our facts straight and collect evidence and definite proof of criminal activity before a warrant can be obtained, which is exactly what we did.”
A quantity of prescription medication was found inside the home, along with various notebooks and ledgers documenting pertinent information. 3 long guns and several cases of ammunition were also confiscated during the raid. Chief Rockel told the Daily News that indications are that Hubbard was doctor shopping for narcotics, and said that appointment cards for physicians in areas as far away as Georgia and Kansas were found during the search of the residence. The Mingo County Animal Control officer was also called to the scene to remove a Pit Bull from the home that will be held at the dog pound until a decision is made regarding its fate.
Those living in close proximately of Hubbard expressed their gratitude to the officers making the arrest, saying that the situation has been a matter of great concern and alarm for them for quite some time now. Comments were made about how relieved they were to know an arrest had been made, and said they would sleep much easier at night.
“No one likes to have this going on in their neighborhood, nor should they have to live in fear,” stated Sheriff Crum. “My department and other divisions of law enforcement are working around the clock to identify and alleviate drug activity. The public’s tips are much appreciated and help us more than we could ever say. Your tips lead to these arrests, your assistance helps give us the information we’re using to reclaim our county from the hands of criminals who have been overlooked for far too long.”
Officers involved with the drug raid include Sheriff Crum, Chief Rockel, Sgt. Joe Smith, Sgt. James Smith, Corporal Phillip Muncy, Deputy Eric Sherill, Corporal Norman Mines, Deputy Mike Miller, Patrolman Jeff Taylor, Deputy Roger Fitch and Home Confinement Officer Kevin Wilson.
Hubbard was arraigned on the felony charges by Magistrate Pam Newsome, who set bond at $30,000. The defendant was transported to the Southwestern Regional Jail at Holden and will appear in court in the near future for a preliminary hearing.
Post a Comment
