16-Month Narcotics Investigation Yields Arrests
Investigation had tentacles that reached into Mexico
GREENVILLE, S.C. - On March 5, 2013, the Greenville County Sheriff’s (GCSO) and the Greenville City Police (GCPD) arrested 39-year old Shannon Tekoites Davis, 30-year old Mikesha Renee Maddox, 50-year old Billie Joyce Glenn and 24-year old Renee Ann Wakefield, in connection with a 16-month long joint investigation with the United States Drug Enforcement (DEA).
In October, 2011, a joint operation among the DEA, the GCPD and the GCSO was launched, targeting an organization trafficking cocaine and marijuana from Tijuana, Mexico, through southern California to Greenville, South Carolina. The information was gleaned after the GCPD arrested Tony Carnell Wakefield and seized five kilograms of cocaine and 53 pounds of marijuana. During the course of the investigation, agents were able to identify the head of the organization in Greenville as James Snowden. Investigators discovered that Snowden employed couriers to transport large amounts of U.S. currency to his drug sources in San Diego, California using commercial airlines.
In February 2012, the DEA seized $142,000 after TSA agents at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport discovered the money in the carry-on bags of two members of the organization, Shannon Tekoites Davis and Mikesha Renee Maddox. Davis and Maddox were attempting to board a flight to San Diego, California. On November 27, 2012, James Snowden was arrested on federal drug charges in Greenville, after being indicted by a grand jury in California.
Davis, Maddox, Glenn and Wakefield have been charged with one count of trafficking in (400 grams or more) and one count of transporting monetary instruments derived from unlawful drug activity. Upon their arrest, each suspect was transported to the Greenville County Detention Center, where they were given a $70,000 bond. Davis and Glenn have since posted bond and been released. The joint investigation continues and additional arrests are expected.
The DEA encourages parents, along with their children, to educate themselves about the dangers of legal and illegal drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.justthinktwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com and www.dea.gov.
