NORTH CAROLINA — A non-fatal overdose involving a student in 2024 led to a months-long investigation that resulted in the arrest of six individuals on multiple drug-related charges, according to the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said the case uncovered alleged activity connected to a street gang known as “70 East,” which authorities say has ties to Alamance, Caswell, and Orange counties. Court documents show the arrests stemmed from coordinated investigations involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
Those arrested include Jennifer Lynn Baker, 24, who faces charges from the Caswell County Sheriff’s Office including possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver Schedule I and Schedule VI controlled substances, possession of cocaine, and maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances. Additional charges from the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office include conspiracy to deliver marijuana and conspiracy to deliver a Schedule VI controlled substance.
Leopoldo Adrian Vargas, 27, faces charges from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office including possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver marijuana and Schedule VI substances, maintaining a dwelling, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He also faces multiple conspiracy charges from Alamance County authorities.
Ernesto Santoyo Garcia Jr., 40, and Tabitha Renee Santoyo Garcia, 38, were each charged with two counts of trafficking in cocaine, felony possession of Schedule VI controlled substances, possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver Schedule VI substances, felony possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Kentrell Deangelo Jordan Faucette, 32, was charged with possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana and possession of marijuana paraphernalia. Ian Keanu Johnson, 21, was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a Schedule VI controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Alamance County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing.
