Search Warrant Leads to Arrest in Narcotics Distribution Ring

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Mount Vernon Police District— Officers from our Mount Vernon Neighborhood Patrol Unit arrested four individuals involved in a narcotics distribution ring after executing a search warrant at a motel in Mount Vernon.

On April 17, at 5:00 a.m., officers responded to the Red Carpet Inn located at 8257 Richmond Highway in Mount Vernon to execute a search warrant. Following a three-month investigation, officers identified a suspected narcotics distribution network at the location.

Through their investigation officers identified and connected Elizabeth Pierce, 66, of Alexandria, Taevon Moore, 33, of Washington, D.C., Shawn Banks, 36, of Alexandria, and Jose Gomez, 28, of Alexandria, to a distribution operation that involved multiple rooms of the motel being used to distribute narcotics.

Thanks to the coordinated efforts of our SWAT Team, K-9 Unit, Drone Team, Mason Neighborhood Patrol Unit, Franconia Neighborhood Patrol Unit, Mount Vernon Criminal Investigations Division, Violent Crimes Division, Crime Scene Section, Narcotics Squad, Violent Crime Suppression Unit, and Criminal Intelligence Unit, all individuals were taken into custody and transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

During the operation, officers recovered an illegally possessed firearm by Moore and over 23 grams of suspected cocaine, 2 grams of fentanyl, 40 Xanax bars, and approximately $1500 in cash.

Elizabeth Pierce

Elizabeth Pierce, 66, of Alexandria, was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, and Maintaining a Nuisance House. She was later released on $2,000 bond.

Taevon Moore

Taevon Moore, 33, of Washington, D.C., was charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I/II while Possessing a Firearm, Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, and Manufacture Schedule I/II Drugs. He was held on no bond.

Shawn Banks

Shawn Banks, 36, of Alexandria, was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Possession of Crack Cocaine, and Distribution of Controlled Paraphernalia. He was later released on a $1,000 bond.

Jose Gomez

Jose Gomez, 28, of Alexandria, was served with a Probation Violation warrant. He was later released on an unsecured bond.

Officers are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to call our Mount Vernon District Station at 703-360-8400. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web.

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