Halifax task force sweeps up 13 on drug charges

The bust of 13 people on a variety of drug charges Tuesday is “just a start,” according to Virginia State Police Special Agent Mark Campbell, the coordinator of the Halifax/South Boston Regional Narcotics and Gang Task Force.

The task force, with the assistance of members of the state police, South Boston Police Department and the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, made the arrests following months of investigation, Campbell said.

Christina Baker, of Alton, is charged with two counts of possession of hydromorphone.

Luther Powell, of South Boston, is charged with conspiring to distribute schedule I and II narcotics, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of a weapon (not a firearm) and possession of marijuana.

Wayne Featherston, of South Boston, charged with manufacture of marijuana.

Shamoni Faulkner, of South Boston, is charged with felony distribution of marijuana.

Russell Newman, of Halifax, is charged with distribution of cocaine.

Shawntell Ferrell, of South Boston, is charged with distribution of cocaine.

Marque Medley, of South Boston, is charged with two counts of distribution of marijuana.

Samuel Williamson, of South Boston, is charged with three counts each of distribution of cocaine and conspiring to distribute cocaine.

Sam Redd, of Halifax, is charged with possession of cocaine and possession of marijuana.

Calvin Baker, of South Boston, is charged with three counts each of distribution of cocaine and conspiring to distribute cocaine.

Thomas Jones, of Halifax, is charged with the manufacture of marijuana;

Niles Villines, of South Boston, is charged with four counts each of distribution of cocaine and conspiring to distribute cocaine.

Amanda Conner, of South Boston, is charged with two counts each of distribution of cocaine and conspiring to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession of marijuana.

“The investigations are continuing and more arrests are pending,” Campbell said.