Authorities: 8 arrested in drug, violent crime operation - Shelby Star

Eight men were arrested Monday on drug and gun charges as part of a joint law enforcement operation targeting drug trafficking and violent crime.

Federal agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and local law enforcement agencies made the arrests, according to a news release from Anne M. Tompkins, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

It's the second time in a week that the U.S. Attorney's office has announced federal drug and related charges for local residents. Last week, nine men were arrested as part of an investigation by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

"Reducing violent crime across our district is a top priority for my office," Tompkins said. "Federal, state and local law enforcement partners are coordinating their efforts to identify communities plagued by rampant drug trafficking and to prosecute offenders who spread crime in our neighborhoods. Our mission is to make our streets safer and to protect our communities from drugs and violence."

Monday's arrests were the result of an ongoing operation that began in April 2012 to target drugs and crime, according to the release.

During the operation, law enforcement officers seized five handguns, two SKS rifles including one with ammunition and scope attached, money, a vehicle, drugs and drug paraphernalia, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.

Those arrested Monday include:

* Bryan Anthony Sanders, 35, Kings Mountain

* Robert Chavius Floyd, 23, Bessemer City

* Rashon Donte Hunter, 18, Bessemer City

* Darral Javarius Anderson, 25, Bessemer City

* Michael Travis Floyd, 34, Bessemer City

* Joshua Rodregus Glenn, 28, Bessemer City/Gastonia

* Patrick Gerard Chambers, 30, Gastonia

* Omaris Dushawn McMiller, 32, Gastonia

They appeared in U.S. District Court on Monday in Charlotte. Detention hearings are set for Thursday.
Other defendants charged in a related indictment are considered fugitives, according to the U.S. Attorney's office, and their names will remain under seal until they have been detained by law enforcement.

"The use of firearms to commit violent criminal acts involved in the drug trade that terrorizes our communities simply cannot be tolerated," said Charlotte ATF Special Agent in Charge Wayne Dixie. "Along with our law enforcement partners, ATF will continue to identify those violent felons that just don't get that message. We will use all of our joint resources to hold the violent drug dealers accountable and make the streets of our neighborhoods a safer place to live."

The charges contained in the federal indictments are allegations, according to Tompkins' office, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.