After receiving multiple complaints from residents about illegal drug activity at and around the City Tavern in Creedmoor, North Carolina, the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) Division and the Creedmoor Police Department (CPD) began a joint undercover investigation in August.
The investigation led to the seizure of half a kilogram of crack cocaine and powder cocaine. Law enforcement identified several individuals involved in a large-scale drug trafficking organization that was manufacturing, trafficking, and distributing illegal drugs throughout the Creedmoor area. The group operated from locations near schools, playgrounds, and an ABC-licensed business.
On October 15, 2025, ALE Special Agents and CPD Officers executed a search warrant at 317 Park Ave in Creedmoor. At this residence, authorities seized 77.5 grams of crack cocaine, three firearms (one of which was confirmed stolen), two vehicles, and about $7,000 in cash.
So far, 10 people have been arrested or charged, with charges pending against two more suspects. In total, those arrested face 105 felony charges and nine misdemeanors. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests and charges are expected.
“An investigation of this magnitude would not be possible without the assistance of our partners at ALE,” said CPD Chief Troy Wheless. “I am grateful to Director House and the men and women of ALE for the incredible amount of time and resources they dedicated to this case. Together, we will continue working to make Creedmoor a safer community and keep drugs away from our daycares, schools, and streets.”
A violation report will also be submitted to the NC ABC Commission detailing both criminal activity and administrative violations found during the investigation. Violations at the business include selling alcohol to intoxicated patrons, permitting drug activity on the premises, and allowing employees to work after consuming alcohol.
“This joint investigation is proof that our communities are safer when law enforcement agencies work together to make a positive impact,” said ALE Director Bryan House. “We encourage everyone–when you see something, say something—and we applaud the citizens of Creedmoor who did just that.”
The following individuals have been arrested as a result of the investigation:
– Tracey Lee Cozart, 51, of Creedmoor: 40 felonies
– Paul Lamont Bullock, 51, of Stem: 21 felonies and three misdemeanors
– Christopher Ragland, 47, of Creedmoor: 23 felonies and one misdemeanor
– Fisher Scott Ford, 27, of Creedmoor: two felonies
– Savanna Tomeka Dunston, 42, of Creedmoor: two felonies
– Megan Whitney West, 32, of Raleigh: four felonies
– Steven Duane Shipley II, 45, of Creedmoor: one felony
– Kenneth Lee Schwartz, 40, of Franklinton: five felonies and two misdemeanors
– Sierra Mystique Cox, 28, of Creedmoor: two misdemeanors
– Phillip Blaine Clark, 34, of Raleigh: one misdemeanor
Warrants are outstanding for:
– Travis Keyshawn Johnson, 23, of Timberlake: six felonies
– Marcus Shadell Lockett, 52, of Creedmoor: one felony
For a complete list of charges, the public is advised to contact the Granville County Clerk of Court.
ALE Special Agents are peace officers with statewide jurisdiction in North Carolina. Their mission is to enhance community safety by addressing criminal activity at both ABC-licensed and illegal alcohol establishments. ALE is the lead enforcement agency for the state’s alcoholic beverage control laws and has authority over gambling, lottery, tobacco laws, and nuisance abatement statutes.
