Nov.2, 2006— -- The federal government has declared a Virginia sheriff and his deputies corrupt to the core. Indictments are not an indication of guilt. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. If there is no release, the inmate must wait here at the jail for their court appearance as a guest of the County, getting a bed and three square meals. Cassell: OK, OK this conversation didn't even occur. Check out these great suggestions. But along the Smith River and the streets of several surrounding towns, there is an unrelenting grayness of abandoned textile mills, boarded-up furniture plants and empty businesses for sale or lease. window.wp_pb=window.wp_pb||{pageName:"article",pageId:"rK3FW81UFXFGLs",contextPath:"/pb",isAdmin:false,layoutEngineName:"off",environment:"production",resourceToken:"202210251155EST",zeusDefer:"",contentFormat:"default",outputType:"default-article",canonical_url:"https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2006/11/18/disgrace-and-disgust-span-classbankheadhardship-is-not-uncommon-in-virginias-rural-henry-county-but-the-indictments-of-the-sheriff-and-12-deputies-have-shaken-residents-who-want-less-bad-newsspan/852cae3e-bb2a-4447-a177-4627ef01882d/", Copyright 2021 WDBJ. It is best known for the Martinsville Speedway. WEATHER; More . The two men talked office politics, gossiped about deputies who kept mistresses and chatted about deer that Vaught spotted in Cassell's yard. The house served as a drop site for drugs and a trysting place for deputies who were cheating on their spouses. If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered He and his wife, Margaret, have been married 44 years and have two adult daughters. Court papers say Cassell owns a trucking business and large amounts of land and has reported making more than $20,000 a year in dividends. According to an indictment unsealed today, the group allegedly sold multiple kilograms of cocaine and hundreds of pounds of marijuana. Ask your question or browse previous questions in response to comments or further questions of members of Then, on Thursday, May 20, members of the sheriffs office with help from Virginia State Police, the Martinsville Police Department, the Henry County Department of Public Safety, the U.S. Henry Circuit Court 21st Judicial Circuit of Virginia Circuit Courts Informational Pamphlet Clerk Hon. $1,051,873,000,000: RECORD TAX COLLECTIONS. In transcripts filed by federal authorities, Vaught appeared to treat Cassell like family. "NOADS:1":"";window.wp_pb.adExperience=adfreeParam||adfreeCookie&&adfreeCookie[2]||"default"})(); window.pbExternalResourcesLoaded=window.pbExternalResourcesLoaded||new Array;window.pbHeadResourceGroups=window.pbHeadResourceGroups||new Array;pbHeadResourceGroups.push({"resourceType":"externalResources","name":"css","fileType":"css"});pbExternalResourcesLoaded.push("/pb/resources/css/latest/headerfonts-nobinaries.0.latest.css?_\x3d4fb0c");pbExternalResourcesLoaded.push("/pb/resources/css/latest/headerfonts-nobinaries.1.latest.css?_\x3d4fb0c");pbExternalResourcesLoaded.push("/pb/resources/css/latest/headerfonts-nobinaries.2.latest.css?_\x3d4fb0c"); The county's textile and furniture industries have seen better times, and its unemployment rate is higher than the state average. A former Massachusetts deputy police chief is being charged with the rape of a child that occurred when he was a school resource officer nearly 20 years ago, the Middlesex County District Attorney' top of page. The indictment alleges that Cassell was aware of the "various illegal activities involving HCSO {Highland County Sheriffs Office] deputies. It could not immediately be determined if Porter is being represented by an attorney. At the end of the day, you return to jail for the night. On Monday, a Martinsville Grand Jury met and. "He's out there doing the same thing he locked people up for! Most programs require your employer to fill out some paperwork. pbExternalResourcesLoaded.push("/pb/resources/js/event-queue.js?_\x3db1774");pbExternalResourcesLoaded.push("/pb/resources/js/pbCore.article.js?_\x3d8d21e");pbExternalResourcesLoaded.push("/pb/resources/js/utils/pbStaticMethodsEssentials.js?_\x3d524e0");pbExternalResourcesLoaded.push("/pb/resources/js/utils/pbStaticMethodsAsync.js?_\x3d3a26f");pbExternalResourcesLoaded.push("/pb/resources/js/utils/mobile-detection.js?_\x3d8c659");pbExternalResourcesLoaded.push("/pb/resources/js/utils/console/console.noop.js?_\x3d8d21e"); Now, the indictment of the county sheriff and 12 former and current deputies in a drug-trafficking ring has only deepened the gloom. Jennifer R. Ashworth Phone/Fax Phone: (276) 634-4880 Fax: (276) 634-4898 Clerk's Office Hours 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Deed recording hours 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. He is free on a $25,000 personal recognizance bond. Here is the full list of charges and mugshots: Henry County Drug Operation May 2021 Media Release by Pat Thomas on Scribd. HENRY COUNTY, Va. Since the Henry County Sheriff's Office's initial press release, nine people have been arrested, leaving only nine people still wanted. Cassell has been the sheriff of Henry County since 1992 . Offenders. Besides the sheriff, those named in the indictment include a captain, three sergeants, eight deputies -- including two vice officers -- a former employee of the U.S. postal service and a former probation officer. This operation resulted in 184 felony charges being issued on 72. adults. If you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558. Looking for something special to get your mom for Mothers Day? The brands new pale lilac shade can freshen up your kitchens look IN THIS ARTICLE: Le Creuset is known for its premium enameled stone and cast-iron cookware. Locals have been mesmerized -- a radio station spent hours regaling listeners with information gleaned from recordings in the case -- and disgusted, too. HARDSHIP IS NOT UNCOMMON IN VIRGINIA'S RURAL HENRY COUNTY. 5425 Wisconsin Ave Officials said this is one of the more disturbing, systemic cases of police corruption they have ever seen. A Henry County Grand Jury issued indictments on May 17, and 72 people were charged with 184 felonies. One deputy, Walter R. Hairston, allegedly gave Vaught marijuana and cocaine he used to train the department's drug-sniffing dogs. They allegedly made up a corrupt organization that stole and distributed drugs, including crack cocaine, and obstructed justice. Also seized were vehicles and money allegedly connected to the distribution and trafficking of narcotics. 2023 The Associated Press. On May 20, authorities arrested 36 suspects and seized additional drugs, illegal guns and. The indictments released Friday included: Eric Christopher Anderson, 34, 23 Cherry St., Vincent, was indicted on a third . National News. OUR STORY. As a result of this drug operation, officials say a Henry County Grand Jury issued indictments for 184 felony charges against 72 adults on Monday, May 17. Many of the people indicted had been convicted of drug distribution in the past. Witness: I sold them in North Carolina to a guy that don't even know who I am. ", Cassell told his former deputy, "If I know it, you'll know it. The contraband was then sold, the indictment says. They never went to the vault.". The Henry County Commonwealths Attorneys Office, Virginia State Police, Martinsville Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration were also involved in the investigation. It is a grand jury's determination that enough evidence exists to hold a trial. If you want to get into the work release program then apply prior to being sentenced to jail. HENRY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) Henry County authorities wrapped up an undercover narcotics operation, which resulted in 72 people being indicted on 184 charges this week, as well as the seizure of numerous drugs, money, and more. Others are accused of distributing steroids and weapons, including a machine gun with an obliterated serial number. The DEA joins with the Virginia State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service to send a clear message that their disgraceful acts will never be tolerated," Johnson added. Cassell Rises Through the RanksCassell arrived in Henry County in 1959 as a state trooper patrolling its roads. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed. This county jail is operated locally by the Henry County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing. This operation resulted in 176 felony charges being issued on 79 adults. Henry County Drug Operation November 2020 Media Release by Pat Thomas on Scribd. The alternative is to set up an account through their third-party phone company which charges steep fees for each minute used. The Henry County VA Jail is a medium-security detention center located at 3250 Kings Mountain Rd in Martinsville, VA. As part of an undercover drug operation in Henry County, 26 people are in jail and 18 others are wanted. btw21.com 26 arrested, 18 still wanted after huge drug bust in Henry County HENRY COUNTY - 26 people were arrested and 18 people are still wanted after an undercover drug operation in Henry County. The government alleges the sheriff knew this was going on all along, and has audio transcripts to prove it. While in intake they are under heightened observation. Henry County, hard against the North Carolina line in Virginia's southern Piedmont region, is perhaps best known for the Martinsville Speedway, where NASCAR races are held twice a year. The call was taken by Martin, a sheriff's deputy. Henry County Grand Jury issues 129 indictments on 59 people. Read the most recent Martinsville Crime News and Court Headlines for the Martinsville, and Henry County, Court House of Virginia area. Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Video visitation is available; details can be found below or call 276-656-4270. A Henry County grand jury on Monday released 132 indictments, according to documents available in the Henry County Clerk's Office. The 129 indictments on 59 people are as follows: Prosecutors say that as of Friday, Porter was no longer with the Hopkinton Police Department. State Police, Martinsville Police Department, Henry County Department of . "These were drugs and guns that were seized as part of their law enforcement duties that were then stolen from the property room and put back out on the streets," U.S. Attorney John L. Brownlee said. Former Henry County deputy Rayshaun O'Shea Gravely, 23, of 505 Glendale St., Martinsville, was indicted on Monday on charges of strangulation, a Class 6 felony, malicious wounding, a Class 3 . BUT THE INDICTMENTS OF THE SHERIFF AND 12 DEPUTIES HAVE SHAKEN RESIDENTS WHO WANT LESS BAD NEWS. Send Photos to your Inmate from Your Phone or Computer in Less than 2 Minutes, How to Show Them You Care with Inmate Care Packages All rights reserved. All rights reserved. On May 20, 2021, the Henry County Sheriff's Office, assisted by the Virginia. In March 2005, the DEA became aware that members of the sheriff's office may be linked to the ketamine drug ring and sent a controlled delivery of the drug to a house that had been a key distribution point. Henry County Commonwealth Attorneys Office, Virginia State Police, Martinsville Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration assisted in the investigations. Looking for an inmate at this facility? Vaught's house was rented by William Reed, a drug dealer who helped Vaught sell 2 kilograms of cocaine confiscated from a drug dealer while Vaught had been on duty. Henry County VA Jail has a phone program where inmates make outbound calls only, you cannot call into jail. Anyone having information pertaining to the whereabouts of the individuals listed above is asked to contact the Henry County Sheriffs Office at 276-638-8751 or the Crime stoppers Program at 63-CRIME (632-7463). A total of 87 indictments were issued Monday by a Henry County Grand Jury: 48 certified indictments and 39 direct indictments. Glenn Youngkin says no to 2024 presidential run, Man shot in DC after intervening in attempted scooter robbery, Rockville man sentenced to life plus 65 years for killing former boss. When an inmate arrives in jail they are put together in a large holding cell with other inmates in the intake. It was effective immediately. Cassell, whose portrait hangs in headquarters opposite those of deputies killed in the line of duty, announced his retirement Monday from his $90,000-a-year post. - The Martinsville Police Department arrested nearly two dozen people on Thursday in connection with indictments recently handed down by a grand jury. distribution in the past. The nature of the crime and the substance of the information determine the amount of reward paid. RINGGOLD MAN INDICTED ON MURDER COUNT. A Henry County Grand Jury . window.dQ.participants = ["iab_banner","softwall"]; Another 21 suspects have been arrested since. Vaught resigned from the department soon after Reed's arrest and, a few months later, agreed to cooperate with investigators. Along with his imposing height, Cassell had a cool, unflappable style that gave an impression that the former Virginia state trooper ruled his office with a sure hand. "He had this sad expression that looked like he was mad, he was defiant and he had been wronged.". NEWS. As of March 18, 2020, registration and visitation rules have changed to protect inmates at Henry County VA Jail and their loved ones during the COVID-19 outbreak. Copyright 2020 WDBJ. Below is the list of the remaining 9 people still wanted in connection with these indictments. "function"==typeof e[2]&&e[2]("set",!0));else{var i=e[0],a=e[1],n=e[2],r=e[3];"function"==typeof n&&i&&("ping"===i?o.getPingReq(n,o.gdprApplies):o.addToQ(i,a,n,r))}},this.addToQ=function(e,t,i,a){var n=o.win.__tcfapi;n.a=n.a||[],n.a.push([e,t,i,a])},this.getPingReq=function(e,t){void 0===t&&(t=void 0),e({gdprApplies:t,cmpLoaded:!1,cmpStatus:"stub",apiVersion:"2.0"})},this.init()},i=new t;return e.TCF=t,e.tcfStub=i,e}({});else;