Three Clinton men and one Warsaw man are facing federal drug trafficking charges after an initial investigation conducted by investigators with the Clinton Police Department, the SBI (State Bureau of Investigation) and ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) late last month put the men behind bars.

On May 27, a joint narcotics investigation by the Clinton Police Department and the SBI brought the teams to Jacobs Street after an initial report was brought to police by concerned neighbors.

However, after the initial arrests, the local charges against the men allowed them to be released on bond. Thanks to a combined effort from the SBI, police detectives and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the men were gathered up and taken in front of a grand jury, which handed down federal charges and placed the men in custody without bond.

Rayford Montrell Faison, 32, of 634 Clive Jacobs Road, Clinton; Raphel Smith III, 28, of 803 Lisbon St., Clinton; Montrose Louis Bennett, 47, of Clinton; and Justin Primero Crenshaw, 28, of 508 Yancey St., Warsaw, were transported to the federal courthouse in Raleigh, indicted on the narcotics charges and released to U.S. Marshals.

They were each charged with conspiracy to deliver more than 50 grams of crack cocaine, as well as a host of other sub-charges. Faison and Crenshaw were also charged with possession of a firearm during drug trafficking, said Brim. “They were selling drugs and weapons,” he said. “And they did it while having guns on them, so the charges are going to be a little steeper for them.”

Brim also said that all four men were being held in custody until a trail date is set. He added that he was happy with how smoothly the investigation went.

“It was because of the great work effort from our guys, the SBI and the ATF,” said Brim. “It is great to be able to continue to build a great relationship between us, state officials and federal officials so that they can aid us in doing a better job for people in the community.”

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or send e-mail to sisports@myclintonnc.com.