In less than a 36-hour period, three separate drug investigations by the Beaufort/Jasper Multi-Agency Drug Task Force (DTF) resulted 12 arrests on a variety of drug and weapon charges.

October 25th Arrest:

Raul Ortiz

At approximately 12:00 pm on October 25th, DTF officers arrested 22-year-old Raul Ortiz of 623 Shady Marsh Ln in Bluffton for Trafficking Marijuana. The investigation that led to Ortiz's arrest was initiated when he became suspected of receiving shipments of marijuana through the mail. During the investigation, a Beaufort County Sheriff's Office K-9 was utilized to conduct a scan of packages at a shipping office on Hilton Head.

The K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal drugs in a brown cardboard box being shipped to 623 Shady Glen Ln. The package was originating from a located in McCallen, Texas . At that time, a search warrant was obtained for the package, with approximately 11 lbs. of marijuana discovered inside.

A controlled delivery of the package was conducted by DTF officers to the alleged recipient at 623 Shady Marsh Ln. Upon DTF's arrival, a Hispanic male, later identified as Raul Ortiz, approached the delivery vehicle, advising that he was expecting the package. Ortiz was subsequently placed under arrest. A search warrant executed at Ortiz's residence yielded and additional small amount of marijuana and various drug paraphernalia.

This investigation currently remains ongoing with the possibility that additional charges may follow.

October 26th Arrests (5:00 am):

Cleve Rudolph White

Andreadenise J. Gray

Willie James Kelly

At approximately 5:00 am on October 26th, DTF officers, assisted by member of the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team and deputies of the Jasper County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at a residence located at 591 Deerfield Rd in Jasper County .

The search warrant was a result of an ongoing investigation into suspected drug activity, primarily the sale and distribution of illegal drugs, originating at the residence. The following illicit items were seized from the residence as a result of the search:

• 11 grams of crack cocaine
• 55 grams of powder cocaine
• 22 grams of marijuana
• One handgun
• One machine gun

The following 3 suspects were also located in and arrested from the residence at the time the search warrant was conducted:

• Cleve Rudolph White, age 22 of 591 Deerfield Rd.
• Andreadenise J. Gray, age 23 of 591 Deerfield Rd.
• Willie James Kelly, age 48 of 591 Deerfield Rd.

All of the above suspects were charged with:

• Trafficking Crack Cocaine
• Trafficking Cocaine
• Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana
• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Violent Crime

This investigation remains ongoing, and further charges may be pending.

October 26th Arrests (6:00 pm):

Gregory Griffin

Herman Gaston, Jr.

Sherrod Green

Thomas Bush

Phillipe Pinckney

Earl Jones

Kendrick Gardner

Quaddrey Gaston

On October 26 th at approximately 6:00 pm, DTF officer and members of the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team executed a search warrant at a residence off of Ballfield Rd in Bluffton. (The residence had no numerical address, and was identified as the residence behind #21 Ballfield Rd).

The search warrant was a result of an ongoing investigation into suspected drug activity, primarily the sale and distribution of illegal drugs, originating from the residence.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with four subjects standing outside the residence. All four subjects fled on foot. All four subjects were quickly apprehended by pursuing officers. Upon entry to the residence, four additional subjects were located inside. One of those subjects also attempted to flee by jumping out a window and running, but was also quickly apprehended.

The following illicit items were seized as a result of the search:

• 61 grams of powder cocaine
• 7 grams of crack cocaine
• 19 grams of marijuana
• One SKS rifle
• One Handgun
• One Shotgun

A total of $4,617 in US currency was also seized pursuant to SC seizure laws, from the persons of several of the suspects arrested.

The following 8 suspects were arrested at the scene of the search warrant:

• Gregory Griffin, age 27 of 19 Haigler Blvd. in Bluffton

Charges: Trafficking Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, Fleeing to Evade Arrest/Detention, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Violent Crime, and Simple Possession of Marijuana

• Herman Gaston, Jr., age 27 of 87 Pinckney Colony Rd in Bluffton

Charges: Fleeing to Evade Arrest/Detention, Simple Possession of Marijuana

• Sherrod Green, age 19 of 77 Buck Island Rd in Bluffton

Charges: Trafficking Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Violent Crime, and Simple Possession of Marijuana

• Thomas Bush, age 21 of 168 Shultz Rd in Bluffton

Charges: Fleeing to Evade Arrest/Detention

• Phillipe Pinckney, age 31 of 11 Center Field Rd in Bluffton

Charges: Trafficking Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime, and Simple Possession of Marijuana

• Earl Jones, age 27 of 6 Guerrard Rd in Bluffton

Charges: Fleeing to Evade Arrest/Detention

• Kendrick Gardner, age 27 of 167 Simmonsville Rd. in Bluffton

Charges: Trafficking Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Violent Crime, and Simple Possession of Marijuana

• Quaddrey Gaston, age 23 of 87 Pinckney Colony Rd in Bluffton

Charges: Fleeing to Evade Arrest/Detention, Simple Possession of Marijuana

This investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be pending.