After a four month joint operation conducted by the Essex County Sheriffs Office,

the Tappahannock Police Department and the Virginia State Police five individuals
are facing felony drug indictments. The four month operation dubbed
"Operation Spring Clean" netted charges related to the illegal distribution of
narcotics in Essex County. Charged were:
-Freddie Cordella Woods Jr, DOB: 2-1-1988, on four counts of distributing cocaine
and one count of distributing cocaine within 1000ft of school property.
-Howard Lee Manning III, DOB: 11-3-1979, on four counts of distributing cocaine
and one count of distributing cocaine within 1000ft of school property.
-Delonte Montel Johnson, DOB: 7-6-1992, on one count of distributing cocaine,
one count of distributing cocaine within 1000ft of school property, one count of
distributing marijuana and one count of distributing marijuana within 1000ft of
school property.
-Deante Terrell Ashton, DOB: 7-22-1983, on three counts of distributing marijuana
-Keith Robinson, DOB: 1-17-1991, on two counts of distributing cocaine
Operation "Spring Clean" continues its investigation into the illegal narcotics trade
in Essex County and the Town of Tappahannock and more charges are expected.
Any information the public can provide in assisting local law enforcement combat
the local drug problem can contact the Essex County Sheriffs Office at 804-4433346.