BRIDGEVILLE, Delaware -
The Delaware State Police Sussex County Drug Unit, Sussex Governors Task Force, Special Operations Response Team, Georgetown,Delaware Police Department, and Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) executed two search warrants in the 17000 block of Grasshopper Lane this morning (July 30) at approximately 7 a.m. These warrants were in connection with a marijuana and cocaine distribution investigation.

As a result of a two-month undercover investigation conducted by state police, Joe C. Stevens, 65, Barrington F. Howell, 39 and Thesworth R. Donaldson, 58, all of Grasshopper Lane, Bridgeville,Delaware were identified as the main suspects involved in the manufacturing and distribution of marijuana and crack cocaine.

Seized from the residence and property of Joe C. Stevens on Grasshopper Lane were 26 marijuana plants ranging in height from 2’ to 6’ with a weight of 14 lbs, 1.2 grams of crack cocaine, .22 caliber Winchester Model 190 rifle, a fully loaded 30-30 Marlin rifle, 30-30 ammunition, and drug paraphernalia.

Seized from the residence and property of Barrington Howell and Thesworth Donaldson at a separate residence on Grasshopper Lane, Bridgeville,Delaware were 17 marijuana plants ranging in height from 2’ to 4 ‘ with a weight of 7 lbs. ,scales, drug paraphernalia, and $356 in United States Currency. Located inside a locked safe was an additional 458 grams of marijuana in a clear zip lock plastic bag.

Because of the investigation, Joe C. Stevens was arrested for Trafficking Marijuana, Manufacturing Marijuana, Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine, Possession of a Firearm During commission of a Felony, 2 counts of Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited, Possession of ammunition by Person Prohibited, Maintaining a Dwelling for keeping Controlled Substances, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was committed to the Sussex,Delaware Correctional Institute in lieu of a $49,000 secured bond.

Barrington F. Howell was arrested for Maintaining a Dwelling, Possession of Marijuana, Conspiracy 2nd degree, and two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was committed to the Sussex,Delaware Correctional Institute.

Thesworth R. Donaldson was arrested for Trafficking Marijuana, Manufacturing Marijuana, Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana, Conspiracy 2nd degree, Maintaining a Dwelling for Keeping Controlled Substances, and two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was committed to the Sussex,Delaware Correctional Institute.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents also filed detainers on Thesworth Donaldson and Barrington Howell in regards to pending deportation. They are in Delaware illegally and are from Jamaica.