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Published on January 15, 2025
Chester County Drug Trafficking Operation Dismantled with Multiple Arrests at Richburg InnSource: Unsplash/ Scott Rodgerson

An extensive narcotics investigation in Chester County has culminated in a series of raids and multiple arrests, authorities reported. The Chester County Sheriff's Office shared in a Facebook post that investigators had dismantled a Drug Trafficking Organization operating out of The Richburg Inn on Lancaster Highway.

Citing information from community members, the Sheriff's Office began to look into the activities at the inn. The investigation soon determined that multiple long-term tenants were involved in distributing narcotics such as Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Crack Cocaine. According to the Sheriff’s Office, this led to the subsequent execution of three search warrants at The Richburg Inn, which signaled the operation's escalated phase. During the arrests, eight individuals were taken into custody, with a variety of charges including drug possession, intent to distribute, and weapon possession. Critically, the Sheriff's Office highlighted that these alleged illegal activities were taking place in the presence of a child, who was later placed in emergency protective custody.

Raekwon “Kwon” Ervin and Jason “Smitty” Smith were among those arrested, each facing similar drug-related charges and for allegedly exposing a child to Methamphetamine and endangering a child with Fentanyl. Ervin was also charged with the possession of a weapon as a previously convicted violent offender and narcotics distributor. Taylor “Tay-Tay” Dennis, recently paroled for narcotics trafficking, and Timya “Mya” Maye, who was wanted by the state’s probation services, were also apprehended and are now facing charges linked to drug distribution and possession.

The list of those taken into custody also includes Bryce Hill, Avery Tyson, Carlos Stanley, and Charles Knauff, each facing various drug-related offenses, with Tyson and Stanley both being charged with trafficking Fentanyl. The Chester County Sheriff's Office emphasized that this specific operation has been a multi-day effort and remains an active investigation. As such, more charges could to likely be forthcoming.