Drug Investigation Yields Three Arrest

Location:
18000 block Rehoboth Mall Blvd Rehoboth, De (Wal-Mart parking lot)

DATE and TIME:
Wednesday July 7, 2010 4:35 p.m.

Defendant(s):
Michael R. Lopez-29 100 block Chesapeake Drive Rehoboth, De
Michael J. Hicks-29 Unit block Lisa Ave. Ocean View, De
Quintin Brown-23 21000 block Elizabeth Ave. Rehoboth, De

Charge and Bond Information:
Lopez-20,500 secured bond remanded to Sussex Correctional Institute
Delivery of a Narcotic Substance
Maintaining a Vehicle for Keeping Controlled Substances
Conspiracy 2nd Degree
Possession of Hypodermic Needle and Syringe
Possession of a Narcotic Schedule III Substance
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Hicks-$19000 secured bond remanded to Sussex Correctional Institute
Delivery of a Narcotic Substance
Maintaining a Vehicle for Keeping Controlled Substances
Carry a Concealed Deadly Weapon
Conspiracy 2nd Degree

Brown-$1000 unsecured bond released
Consumption of a Narcotic
Hindering Prosecution

Resume:
The Delaware State Police Sussex County Drug Unit and members of the Governors Task Force while on routine assignment, Wednesday July 7, 2010 observed subjects Michael R. Lopez operating his Buick LeSabre in the Wal-Mart parking lot Rehoboth Delaware. The drug task force was familiar with Lopez from prior drug investigations. The Task Force took up surveillance on Lopez as he parked his vehicle. After a short moment Michael Hicks was observed entering Lopez’s vehicle. While Lopez and Hicks sat in the Buick officers observed the two individuals engage in a drug transaction.

Following this initial transaction Lopez exited his Buick and walked to a second vehicle. The second vehicle is a Ford Taurus occupied by Quintin Brown. Lopez again was observed entering the Ford Taurus and appeared to engage in a drug transaction with Brown. After the second transaction Lopez exited the Ford and walked backed to his vehicle where Hicks was still seated. After a brief interlude Hicks exited the Buick and was seen walking back toward his vehicle a Chevrolet S10 truck.

As Lopez, Hicks and Brown began to leave the area Delaware State Police conducted traffic stops on all three vehicles. As a result of this investigation State Police were able to determine that Lopez brokered a drug deal between Brown and Hicks. Brown upon being stopped swallowed eleven Endocet pills of 7.5 milligrams prior to police contact.

Upon searching Lopez an Oxycodone bill bottle containing 1 tablet of Buprenophine and Naloxone were located on his possession along with two hypodermic needles.

State Police after searching Hicks seized a pill bottle with a prescription for Endocet 7.5 milligrams. The prescription for the Endocet appeared to have been filled earlier that day July 7, 2010. Hicks also had in possession of a folding knife having a length of 3.75 inches.

Lopez, Hicks and Brown all were arrested for the above listed infractions. Lopez and Hicks were remanded to Sussex Correctional Center and Brown was released on $1000 unsecured bond.