KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — After several complaints from people living nearby, state agents and local law enforcement busted a major drug trafficking ring at three homes in Knoxville.
Seven people were arrested in total. Illegal drugs and guns were seized, and police recovered 17 neglected animals from inside one of the houses. The homes were on Maywood Road, Old Clinton Pike, Crescent Lake Way.
Around 600 grams of heroin — more than a pound of drugs — was seized after search warrants were served at those three homes. People living nearby say they have noticed a few odd things lately but never imagined something like this.
“I’ve always bragged about this neighborhood,” said Carolyn Sharpe, a neighbor who lives near one of the homes. “It feels like Knoxville is not like it’s always been. That’s how it feels.”
Guns, paraphernalia and a whole lot of heroin. That's the result of a collaborative effort between the Knoxville Police Department Organized Crime Unit, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Seven people were arrested on several drug charges. Two of them face animal cruelty charges after 12 dogs and five cats were found in one of the homes.
“They’re just a little odd sometimes. We just moved to Knoxville like a year ago,” said Delilah Nicholson, another neighbor. “My son is 4 years old and he’s like, 'What is that, mom?' And I’m like, 'I don’t know what it is.'”
In that year she said she’s seen unfamiliar faces roam the streets and had to put up with noise., such as yelling from people in the house. Sharpe said she originally thought it was a couple having an argument. She also said she was thankful to the police for seizing the drugs.
Police say additional charges and arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
The following people were arrested on Thursday:
- Katia Young
DOB: 3/5/01
7209 Old Clinton Pike
Charge: Manufacture, Sell or Delivery of Schedule I Controlled Substance - Diontay Martin
DOB: 2/6/90
Detroit, Michigan address
Charge: Manufacture, Sell or Delivery of Schedule I Controlled Substance - Dellone Martin
DOB: 1/20/91
Detroit, Michigan address
Charge: Manufacture, Sell or Delivery of Schedule I Controlled Substance - Frederick Davis Jr.
DOB: 1/16/92
Detroit, Michigan address
Charge: Manufacture, Sell or Delivery of Schedule I Controlled Substance - Latisha Galyon
DOB: 11/22/77
5313 Maywood Road
Charge: Maintaining premises for the purpose of using, keeping or selling controlled substances, simple possession of Schedule 1 controlled substance, animal cruelty - Ray Sayne
DOB: 19/19/63
5313 Maywood Road
Charges: Maintaining premises for the purpose of using, keeping or selling controlled substances, simple possession of Schedule 1 controlled substance, animal cruelty - Trashauna Ewing
DOB: 11/22/02
Harriman, TN address
Charge: Simple possession of Schedule 1 controlled substance
The City of Knoxville also wanted to remind the public that there are ways to keep their neighborhoods safe. It suggests getting to know your neighbors and meeting with them once a year, starting a neighborhood watch program and reporting unusual or suspicious behavior to your local law enforcement.