Twenty-Two Suspects Indicted In Hickory Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

Caryn Little,

HICKORY, N.C. — Twenty-two suspects have been indicted in Hickory on drug trafficking conspiracy charges.  The six-month investigation led police to making the arrest of the drug trafficking organization’s alleged leaders: Naeem Ali Mungro of Newton, Gevon Marquise King of Hickory, and Jaron Monte Cornwell of Hickory.

Throughout the course of the investigation, officials say numerous individuals were identified throughout Western North Carolina with whom Mungro, King and Cornwell worked with to reportedly distribute large quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine.

Police say multiple search warrants were executed due to the investigation. These search warrants and arrests resulted in the seizure of over 2 and half pounds of cocaine and crack cocaine, 8 firearms which included 7 handguns and an assault rifle, as well as a large amount of US currency (approximately
$36,000.00), according to a news release.

This investigation stemmed from citizen complaints of drug sales and gun related violence. Officials say some of the defendants in this investigation are validated gang members.

The following individuals involved in the cocaine trafficking conspiracy were arrested between May 9 and 11, 2018 and placed in the Catawba County Detention Facility:

Naeem Ali Mungro, 35, of Newton, one count each of conspiracy to traffic cocaine and continuing a criminal enterprise; $1 million bond

Jaron Monte Cornwell, 30, of Hickory, one count each of conspiracy to traffic cocaine and continuing a criminal enterprise; $1 million bond

Shamaine Antwon Edwards, 36, of Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $100,000 bond

John Markel Gaither, 24, of Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $500,000 bond

Dershae Mylantus Blackburn, 28, of Lincolnton, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $250,000 bond

Terrance Keon Geter, 33, of Greensboro, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $500,000 bond

Tyrone Javelle Bowens, 47, of Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $500,000 bond

Gevon Marquise King, 34, Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, no bond

Robert Jason Jenkins, 30, of Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $500,000 bond

Eddie Carlos Linder, 37, of Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $250,000 bond

Rahshawn Jarday Williams, 27, of Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $500,000 bond

Jasean Cantrell Abernathy, 23, of Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $250,000 bond

Karl Brantley Rinehardt, 40, of Conover, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $250,000 bond

Damian Dion Liles, 39, of Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $500,000 bond

Devonta Marquise Beatty, 27, of Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $500,000 bond

Lavonne Lee White, 36, Newton, 36, of Newton, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $250,000 bond

Steven Antwan Good, 35, of Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $125,000 bond

Christo George Helton, 60, of Hickory, one count of felony obstruction of justice, $100,000 bond

William Bernard Mitchell, 49, Gastonia, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $500,000 bond

Nathaniel Thomas Hatcher, 43, of Jacksonville, FL; one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine – arrested on April 28, 2018

The remaining defendants have not been located and have outstanding warrants:

Dominic Sharel Adams, 32, of Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine

Tyrell Lewis Jenkins, 33, of Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine

This investigation is continuing and additional charges are expected.