SOUTH CAROLINA — A months-long narcotics investigation in Pickens has resulted in six arrests and 40 drug- and weapon-related charges, according to the Pickens Police Department.
The investigation, known as Operation CRACKdown, concluded after law enforcement agencies conducted multiple operations targeting suspected drug trafficking activity.
Police said the investigation began with undercover drug operations that led to the March 31 arrest of Aaron Jerome Cureton on outstanding distribution-related charges. During that arrest, officers seized more than 70 grams of crack cocaine and a substantial amount of cash. Vonda Moore Cannon and William Corey Keith were also arrested as part of the operation.
Authorities said continued investigative work, conducted in partnership with the Easley Police Department, led to additional trafficking and weapon charges involving crack cocaine and powder cocaine. More than 200 grams of crack cocaine and powder cocaine were seized during the investigation involving Cureton and Cannon.
As the investigation expanded, police obtained distribution charges against Larry Edward Walker and Chad E. Yates, including allegations involving crack cocaine, fentanyl and distributing controlled substances near a school or park.
Investigators also worked with the Travelers Rest Police Department, resulting in a trafficking fentanyl charge against Walker.
On June 4, a search warrant was executed by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit, Pickens Police Department and Travelers Rest Police Department. Authorities said the operation resulted in the arrests of Walker, Yates and Tarance Lemont Moss.
During the search, investigators seized nine firearms, body armor, a substantial amount of cash and numerous illegal narcotics.
Walker and Moss were charged with multiple trafficking offenses involving heroin, fentanyl and cocaine, as well as drug possession and weapon-related charges.
Those arrested in the investigation were identified as Aaron Jerome Cureton, Vonda Moore Cannon, William Corey Keith, Larry Edward Walker, Chad E. Yates and Tarance Lemont Moss.
The investigation remains part of ongoing efforts by local and regional law enforcement agencies to combat narcotics trafficking in the Upstate.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
