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Six people arrested in two separate heroin busts
Police have arrested six people in two different busts on charges of trafficking heroin in Dare County.
Two arrests were made July 13 after a search warrant turned up a “significant amount” of heroin in a house on N. Virginia Dare Trail, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
The raid was part of an continuing investigation by the Kill Devil Hills Police Department, along with members of the Dare County Sheriff’s Office and the Nags Head Police Department.
Arrested was Clifford Dozier Dunn, 23, of Kill Devil Hills, who lives in the Virginia Dare Trail house. He was being held in the Dare County Detention Center in lieu of $30,000 bond. Bond for Sarah Elizabeth McMurray, 21, of Kitty Hawk was set at $15,000.
Both were charged with conspiring to traffic opium or heroin; trafficking opium or heroin; possession with intent to manufacture, sell or distribute heroin or opium; and possession of heroin.
The same day, members of the Dare County Sheriff’s Office arrested four people in an investigation of heroin being brought to Hatteras Island.
During a traffic stop, a Dare County Sheriff’s Office dog detected drugs, and heroin and marijuana were found in the vehicle.
Arrested were:
Aaron Zane Gray, 22, of Buxton, charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver heroin and possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana. He is in the Dare County Detention Center in lieu of $15,000 bond.
Wyatt Hayes Kennedy, 21, of Buxton, charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver heroin and possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana. Bond was set at $15,000.
Robin Leah Anderson, 36, of Buxton, charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver heroin and possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana. Bond was set at $25,000.
Danielle Denise Gartelman, 21, of Buxton, charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver heroin and possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and maintaining a vehicle. Bond was set at $20,000 secured.
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OBX says:
Great work, Officers! Keep the heat turned up on the low-life drug dealers. Stay safe while you do that.
comfortablybum says:
Yeah lets lock these twenty somethings away for a decade all the while spending more on each of them a year than we pay a teacher or police officer. That’s a better solution than putting them in rehab. Yeah lets ruin the lives of anyone who made a mistake in their twenties! Low lifes!
Frank Moore says:
Excellent work by our dedicated officers, the street cops. Keep up the good work.
chaser says:
Again….outer banks…loser friendly.
Allan2 says:
Gee….I’m sure these were nice people just trying to get enough money to provide for their families. It’s time our authorities began cracking down on the real felons in this county…all those big evil businessmen and women. And while their at it, start taxing those rich people too.
ekim says:
Heroin is just pure EVIL well done LAW DOGS!!!!!
Jackie Harris says:
Maybe if they would start giving them higher bonds and the DA would quit Plea Bargaining and try every one then The Officers trying to stop/slow down the DRUG business on the OBX could make some headway!. Also the Powers to Be have got to admit there is a Drug Problem Here! The Visitors would understand that the Police are trying to correct a Big Problem!. Maye the Voice could run an article listing all the OBX Drug arrest and location ???? Say for last 3 years????
KDH Rezident Evil says:
Mercy! Heroin dealers in our community? Surely they were just passing through…my oh my oh my. (/end sarcasm)
Good work po-po. Keep the heat on these ne’er do wells.
chaser says:
When are we going to fly the truce flag on the war on drugs, and start realizing people need rehabilitation not jail time.
NervousNelly says:
I can’t believe that some of the comments are feeling sorry for these people. They need to be locked up. Mayeb then they will realize what a waste their life has been handing it over to drugs.
OBX Mom says:
Rehabilitate them in jail away from our children! I understand that people in their 20′s make mistakes but HEROIN is deadly and do any of us want them selling it to our family,friends or neighbors? Face it we have a TERRIBLE drug problem here and it needs to be addressed. Thank you officers for a job well done!
Obviously says:
Rehab is voluntary. You can’t make them stay there and stay clean. You can make them stay in prison (and stay clean while there).
comeon says:
“I’m sure these were nice people just trying to get enough money to provide for their families.”
NO
obxcarl says:
Knowing heroin like I do. Prison is the best place for them. This ain’t no light drug this is the real deal. They can get it in prison but it’s just alittle harder. You are keeping them alive until they are really ready to quit and just not lying to you so they can go get thier next pill. Trust me they will be fine in jail.
take obx back says:
I agree the officers are trying to clean up the drugs on obx but there needs to be higher bonds and the outcome more than a slap on the wrist..these are local people. They knew exactly what they were doing and should do time for it and I mean more than just 30 days….
bb says:
It’s been interesting slowly watching these people’s lives unravel over the past few years. I was actually surprised to find out Heroin was the DOC but it doesn’t really matter. In a way you can almost call it learned behavior from some of the “perps.” Jail is great in changing some people’s priorities, not so much with others. Who knows, maybe we’ve started them on to become reborn pastors or some such.
Concerned citizen says:
This is becoming an epidemic here and children that
that have been brought up in good homes, have bright
futures and families that love them are experimenting
with this drug. From what I understand, if you try
this drug once you probably will be hooked. I am very grateful
law enforcement is cracking down on the people
who are bringing it here, but I also have compassion
for the young people who have gotten addicted to
this drug and their families. Once addicted they will
probably spend the rest of their lives fighting
to stay clean. They start out using Xanax and oxycodine
and when this becomes to expensive they turn to
heroin because it is so much cheaper. I too would like to
say they are losers and low lifes and lock them up and
throw away the key, but my son, at the young age of 18
has been sucked up by this drug and has been in rehab
and jail and now faces yrs in prison. He was a smart
and very bright child who had a great life ahead of
him until THIS. Please remember that these are somebodies
children and are loved and need help.
chaser says:
Obviously….ok we are going to have to raise your taxes to keep building prisions and jails to house non violent “criminals” in.
beachlivin' says:
I just cant believe it! How dare the law enforcent system arrest these people. Dont they know how beneficial heroin is to our community. It creates fine upstanding citizens, citizens that do nothing but give back to their community. Dont these cops know who these individuals fathers uncles 2nd cousin removed is?!?! How dare they try to hold these ADULTS responsible for their own actions?! The sheriffs office obviously doent understand that locals shouldnt have to answer to the law. And how they dare enforce laws instead of redistributing the wealth of our hard working citizens; because we ALL know that it is the job of the police to enforce federal tax laws…
~ hope you caught my sarcasm there.~
But on a serious note, yes, these folks obviously need rehab. And I cant understand how some people think that what these folks were doing is perfectly acceptable. Good job law enforcement. We all know that there is more out there to get, so keep up the good work.
chatteras62 says:
I would rather see them arrested than attend thier funerals……….
Sue says:
“all those big evil businessmen and women”
Allan2, you might be surprised at how many of them support these “real felons”. I don’t live on the Outer Banks, but if it’s anything like crack house and general drug house traffic you see around here, drug abuse knows no socio-economic bounds.
halfpint says:
I have known a few of these “low-life losers” since elementary school, even graduated highschool with 2 of them! I must say that it is very upsetting to have watched them spiral downhill over just a matter of months..and it hurts to think of them sitting in jail, alone, feeling like they have nothing to live for, and no one that cares..BUT it hurts me just as much to sit here and see that there are so many people AGAINST them! People who obviously couldnt give a damn what happens to them! I am in awe that so many of you can find time in your busy schedules to BASH and DEGRADE the youth in your very own community! MOST OF YOU HAVE GONE COMPLETELY OUT OF YOUR WAY TO BE NEGATIVE! Yes, they have a problem, obviously.. and NO what they are charged with is NOT ok. But you should probably know this; DRUG ADDICTION IS A DISEASE! that is not my opinion, that is a fact! Do you also find time to sit back & write rude comments about people with diabetes or cancer? is that on your to do list? Lets face it–if the government wasnt allowing pharmacuetical companies to prescribe prescription pain pills like its a f***ing joke to them, then we wouldnt be stuck “fighting” a war on drugs that we will never win in the first place! The apathy that has been blatantly shown here in these comments is nothing less than disturbing! And it says more about the ADULTS in this community than the article itself says about our youth!
Bright Lights, Big City says:
Heroin will kill you. It’s that simple. Heroin will rob you of your dignity, rob you of the fruits of your labor and leave you dead with a needle still poking you in the arm. There is nothing attractive or glamorous about a heroin junkie while they are alive, and the sight of a crumpled, lifeless body ain’t too pretty, either.
If you have any suspicions that your young adults are messing around with heroin, you’ve got to intervene in the strongest ways possible before they are dead. That process ain’t pretty, either, but it’s better than sitting in a funeral home wondering what went wrong. Do something. Now.
obxdad says:
I wonder how many of those who want to throw people who have already destroyed their own lives in prison on the taxpayers dime are Christians?
What ever happened to compassion and forgiveness? Is that just for Sundays?
Why not treat non violent addicts at half the cost of sending them to Criminal University?
Is there any wonder why we incarcerate more of our population by far than any other nation? Any wonder why our taxes are so high?
These are someone’s sons and daughters we are talking about. These are people who could have lives, but we are so willing to give up and throw them into human hell.
You people make me sick.
Former Trenter says:
What a heartbreak for the kids, and their families. I was in jr. high and high school in the 1970′s and drugs were fairly rampant. I went to grade school in Hatteras and jr. high in a rough area of Norfolk– we were bussed across town as part of integration. (I don’t have any problem with that I think it was necessary for the era.)
In the 9th grade as part of a health education program–small groups about 10 kids at a time–went to the Library for a talk with 2 ex junkies–it must have been part of some education initiative–and that was one of the most valuable bits of class time I ever had. It was a woman and a man and what they talked to us about was very graphic–the downward spiral, sex for drugs, how additive it was, and what it was like to go cold turkey after being an addict for some time–it was a no holds barred talk and we were allowed to ask questions. It was also not hype, just a low key, honest chat session. Some of the details were disgusting, including horrifying painful unstoppable diarrhea when you can’t get the drug–because long term use slows down your intestines.
Nothing that could have been taught in a classroom by a teacher who did not have first hand experience could have ever, ever, matched what those ex junkies had to say. I am sure that that outstanding program kept a lot of kids from making life changing mistakes. Whoever that educator or administrator was who made sure that program happened, I am grateful to, as well as the addicts who cared enough to participate. I never forgot it.
comfortablybum says:
Listen to all these people who think getting tough on drugs is the solution. We have been doing that for thirty years! It’s not working!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s costing us a fortune and it is failing miserably. We have more people in prison on dumb drug charges than anyone else in the world, and we are still inundated with drugs. None of your “get tough on crime” solutions have worked. They do the opposite. Heroin can ruin your life, it is true. But going to jail for 10 years will ruin your life.
comeon says:
both sides assuming these folks are all H users. another scenario is drug running…..in some minds a fast, easy way to make money without working and one of those things that hasn’t changed in decades.
SJR says:
Aaron Gray is very close to me, drug addiction is a disease.. he had a problem, it doesn’t mean he is a horrible person! What they did is wrong, but it doesn’t change the fact they are human beings, sons, and friends. They had no intent to “manufacture and sell” heroin, it was for their personal use. What they need is help dealing with addiction, not to be bashed by hypocrites, and people who don’t know them! I talk on the behalf of Aaron Gray and Wyatt Kennedy. To the people who know them, they are great people. Having a drug addiction doesn’t change who they are, it means they are hurting inside, and need help. I love Aaron, and Wyatt is a close friend, and I will be there for them no matter what, as well as many people. And I will do everything I can to make sure what happens to them is just. I miss Aaron dearly, and I hope he gets the help he needs for a fresh start, no one deserves a lifetime of punishment for a mistake they made in their 20′s.. Before you judge others, look at your own life, look at your children, what if this was your child?
Sue says:
Obxdad, I am sure it is amazing how many kids hooked on drugs ended up in prison and came out hardened criminals, as you say, at taxpayer’s expense. There has got to be a better way. The American prison system is not working.
I remember a young man from college, son of a cop, who told me his dad made him witness an autopsy on a heroin junkie who eventually OD’d. He said the organs were in absolutely horrible condition and that he went outside and threw up. Knowing the difference between a “healthy corpse” and this person, he said he would absolutely never touch cigarettes, much less drugs. Dad had also shown him the difference between a smoker’s and non-smoker’s lungs.
Whatever educational practices work, I am all for it. Better to throw up witnessing an autopsy than being deathly sick from using drugs.
obxdad says:
Sue – Yes, some deterrents DO work… especially ones like you mentioned.
“Just say no” was always a joke because it just peaked kid’s curiosity, something that most adults forget is the real problem. Kids will do ANYTHING to satisfy their curious nature, so we must show them exactly what will happen should they try the hard drugs.
From what I’ve seen, it’s nearly impossible to keep kids from having the opportunity to try whatever they want. Their own character, beliefs, and mental state are the only defence. Law enforcement of a health and cultural problem has been a classic case of the cure being worse than the disease.
Get the legal system back to prosecuting those who hurt or steal from others, and let the health system treat people who need it, and the rest of us shun the people who use for recreation or sell.
Ben Watchinforawhile says:
This is an interesting and a sad post. I think a lot of people have made meaningful posts. I’m not looking to get into a debate so I will not respond to provoking comments. However, I feel it’s undebatable that we have lost the “War on Drugs”. Let’s start with admitting that, and then maybe we can have a meaningful dialog here. Yes, I know there are felons that we have to throw the book at, they are Drug War Loads and their lieutenants. But the people involved here deserve our most thoughtful consideration of treatment, appropriate incarceration or not, halfway house and mentoring. They are not trash, they are people that we know and regret for them what has happened, based on my reading of the comments posted here. A new approach is need. Get serious about talking about legalizing certain drugs in small amount and get our police back to focusing on crimes that hurt other people. We incarcerate more people than any other nation in the world. I mean, a whole lot more than any other nation. Go check the figures at any creditable source. Not even Russia (nor any other nogoodnik country you don’t like) tops USA. It’s time for a new approach. Think about it. Like I said – don’t bait me on this, I won’t respond. And no, I don’t have a drug problem, unless red wine is one.
OBX says:
Well, well, well….look at all the people hoisting the low life druggies up on a pedestal. They are are drain on society, a threat to public safety and will steal anything not nailed down to support their ILLEGAL drug use. Send them to prison and throw away the kys. There’a a deterrent that will get their drug-crazed attention.
comeon says:
once…..it’s a mistake……..repeat…….you only have yourself to blame
obxdad says:
OBX – really? A pedestal? Is that what showing compassion looks like to you? I am so sorry you have not had more love in your life – perhaps you’d be able to respond in a more constructive fashion if you had.
They are so far beneath us that they need a helping hand up – that’s hardly putting them on a pedestal.
People like you who would rather demonize someone who has done nothing but hurt themselves are exactly why are prisons are full of non-violent drug users and sellers.
comeon – Yes, of course it is their fault. Yes, they only have themselves to blame.
Now, let’s talk about a solution rather than blame. Or do you like paying the taxes to keep anyone who falls into drug hell in prison at $50,000 a year each?
I don’t. I’d prefer our system actually try to rehabilitate people instead of warehouse them, releasing them with no skills and no future, a sure bet to return to jail on our dime.
Halfpint says:
OBX– apparently you have never witnessed drug addiction, and lucky you for managing to escape it.. But most aren’t so lucky! Many people in this nation face drug addiction issues, either of their own, or by watching as their loved ones battle it! It does not mean I am putting anyone on a pedastal here. Obviously they aren’t above us, and obviously YOU aren’t above ANYONE! Your view on this tragic topic is cold hearted and ignorant, to put it nicely! If everyone in this screwed up world had the same thought process as you, it would be a sad day in hell! I wouldn’t like to be a flea under your collar come judgement day! .. And since you put the word ILLEGAL in all caps, to draw emphasis, I suppose you would be more lenient had it of been something like prescription drugs?! Get a grip! That’s what started this drug problem on our island! Do the world a favor and educate yourself before you start trying to teach it OR preach it!
Sue says:
Knew a very nice girl from a great family. She attended a great college. AND….she went to a party where heroin was being snorted AND……yep, she tried it. She liked it OK and tried it again at another party. Whoops! She felt like she wanted more. She didn’t get more and got scared, real scared. So she telephoned mom and dad. Mom and dad picked her up, got her treatment and counseling, and now she’s graduated and doing just fine, drug free. Nice to have a loving, supportive family, but how many kids could not EVER, in their minds, in a million years feel secure enough with their parents to do what she did? Not every child is as blessed as this young woman. Yes, young people need someone they can trust, someone that makes them feel secure in this non-forgiving, harsh world. America needs to wake up and relearn to love its youth, one of our most precious commodities. You say each generation gets worse and worse. Has anybody tried to figure out why?
comeon says:
boot camp instead of jail time
community service and a lot of it
how many times in rehab is one too many?
(i must add i also know all of these folks)
obxdad says:
comeon –
I agree, bootcamp and community service are much better tools than jail time.
I don’t know how many times is too many – really, it’s up to the individual’s desire to get clean… but also they MUST have some kind of opportunity to get away from their “friends” and the lifestyle that leads to relapse.
Some people are hopeless, but we really don’t know that for sure until they are dead. And I have lost a friend to heroin – didn’t take long at all for him to overdose after he fell in with the wrong crowd.
Marty Brill says:
The above comments attributed to me, are not my comments at all. Could you please remove them and the use of the crude lanquage I was given credit for. Thanks