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Elkton Drug Case Save Email Print
Harrisonburg, Va.
Posted: 5:41 PM Oct 25, 2007
Last Updated: 6:58 AM Oct 26, 2007
Reporter: Shane Symolon
Email Address: ssymolon@whsv.com

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Suspects in an alleged drug trafficking ring in Elkton all pleaded not guilty to federal charges Thursday.

Court documents say that the suspects were selling methamphetamine and cocaine out of O'Dell's grocery in Elkton. Five suspects face 17 counts in the case, most of which are for drug distribution.

Three of the suspects, Kenneth Crawford, Darrell Crawford and Melissa Crawford, face the charge of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams of meth but most of the charges fall on the owners of O'Dell's store.

Vern Odell Crawford was in court Thursday morning. His charges include a conspiracy charge to distribute 500 grams of meth and cocaine, possessing property and money that was allegedly gained through the drug trade and 14 for distribution or intent to distribute charges.

His wife, Joyce Crawford, faces two of those charges, as well as the conspiracy charges.

Court documents say the Rush Drug Task force had been investigating activities out of the store for almost two years.

The couple was arrested in July. The documents say that the task force made undercover drug buys, as well as recorded others purchasing meth from the family.

When authorities searched Odell Crawford’s home, they allegedly found cash, drugs and a hand written recipe for manufacturing meth.

If convicted, the family members could loose money and property gained through the drug trade, which includes two houses, more than $1,000 from multiple bank accounts and the O'Dell's grocery business. The documents also say that the drug business had started as early as 2000.

The case originally began in state court but was moved up to federal court because the penalties are more severe. Four of the suspects face 20 years in jail and fines. If convicted, Odell Crawford could be in jail for the rest of his life.

Joyce, Kenneth, Darrell and Melissa Crawford are all scheduled to be in court next week for bond hearings.

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Posted by: judgenot Location: Mcgaheysville on Oct 26, 2007 at 03:57 PM
If you judge people by media and what you hear then you can't Love them can you? To Love them is not to judge them, they will be judged in court and by the Heavenly Father. They need prayer and support by the community not condemnation.

Posted by: sidey Location: elkton on Oct 26, 2007 at 03:47 PM
life is what they should give half the people in elkton,for the crimes they have been doing in town,like when a man over the age of 55 gets a 15 year old pregnant,noone wants to say anything or do anything about it,local police let 13 and 15 year old girls walk the streets at night and noone says anything about it,but when someone says the word drugs you all go freaking nuts over hearsay,clean around your own door step before you tyr to clean around others terry raines(yes i know who you are)any questions or comments come to me !!!!!!

Posted by: anom male Location: shenandoah on Oct 26, 2007 at 10:47 AM
They finally get what they deserve not paying taxes and doing the things they have and got by with it and us people out here trying to live right and earn our money the correct way the one gets a minor traffic viloation or something its really sad .Our court system needs to put these kind of people behind bars and let them see the light

Posted by: Lynn Location: Elkton on Oct 26, 2007 at 10:13 AM
I feel that Odell Crawford should be in Jail the rest of his life. He makes what good we do have in our society bad.

Posted by: Terry Location: Elkton on Oct 25, 2007 at 07:49 PM
I hope they all get life in jail.

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