Over recent months, the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) conducted an investigation targeting criminal activity at ABC-licensed businesses in Wilmington. The operation began after complaints from residents and the Wilmington Police Department highlighted certain establishments as frequent sources of crime.
ALE agents worked with local law enforcement to address illegal activities associated with alcohol-selling businesses. Undercover operations revealed violations of alcohol, controlled substance, and gambling laws. In total, 26 people face 75 charges—55 of which are felonies—including offenses such as felony possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine, trafficking opium or heroin, conspiracy to sell or deliver controlled substances, maintaining a dwelling or vehicle for drug activity, money laundering, and illegal operation of video gaming machines. Misdemeanor charges include possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful sale of alcohol without proper permits.
A search warrant executed at Greenfield Mini Market on Greenfield Street resulted in the seizure of over $32,000 in cash, illegal gaming machines, and drug paraphernalia. This action demonstrates how some licensed establishments can be linked to broader criminal patterns.
Fifteen individuals have been arrested based on the findings:
– Timothy Wayne Abbott
– Leah Margaret Bridges
– Marvin Jerome Brown
– Christopher Eugene Bowden
– Jahzion Kymani Charron
– James Russell Cogdell
– Juan Marichal Copeland
– Jamar Drakeford
– Trevor Matthew King
– Tyres McMillan
– Jamal Ahmed Nagi
– Jeffery Brent Penny
– Haiman Meen Abdullah Quteni
– Ayanna Alicia Thomas
– Devona Michelle Young
There are also outstanding warrants for eleven others as of September 25, 2025:
– Kerrigan Lamar Armond
– Marcus Barnett
– Irving Lee Bennerman
– Tristin Marie Nicole Bryan
– Michael Shawn Butterworth
– Raheem LaQuan Edwards
– Stephanie Lynne Failla
– Chase Fulcher
– Randolph Cary Grimsley
– Wendy Nilsson
– James Corneluis Minor
The Wilmington Police Department and New Hanover Sheriff’s Office assisted ALE during this investigation.
“The primary mission of Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) Special Agents, as peace officers with statewide jurisdiction throughout North Carolina, is to enhance community safety by addressing criminal activity at both ABC-licensed and illegal alcohol establishments. Authorized to take action against any crime of violence or breach of peace, ALE is the lead enforcement agency for the state’s alcoholic beverage control, gambling, lottery, and tobacco laws, with primary authority over nuisance abatement statutes.”
For more details on specific charges filed against each individual involved in this case, interested parties are advised to contact the New Hanover Clerk of Court.
