Operation Crystal Ball

 

 

For Immediate Release
November 21th, 2025

Operation Crystal Ball
Wave 1 of the Largest Case in Ashe County History

Ashe County, N.C. – Ashe County Sheriff B. Phil Howell announces that the most significant drug trafficking takedown in Ashe County history is currently underway. The operation began as an investigation in January 2025 by the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and has rapidly developed into a large-scale effort. “Wave 1” of Operation Crystal Ball currently includes approximately 42 arrests, and based on ongoing investigative efforts, law enforcement anticipates a total of 80 to 100 arrests as the case continues to unfold.

Sheriff Howell believes

“This case represents the largest arrest operation in Ashe County history. The investigation began in January of this year and rapidly intensified, expanding far beyond initial expectations. What started with two agencies quickly grew to involve assistance from more than 23 partner agencies.

I cannot begin to express to the public the sheer amount of time and dedication our Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division and local SBI agents have invested in this operation. These professionals have worked tirelessly, through countless days and nights, to remove every possible gram of narcotics from our streets and develop a case that will stand the test of time.

The scale of this case was never the objective; instead, it grew as a direct result of the relentless commitment and depth of effort these teams poured into their work. I am profoundly grateful to the individuals who sacrificed immeasurable hours away from their families to protect ours.”

The investigation began in January of 2025 with Joseph Derrick Eller, age 44, of Jefferson. Eller was arrested multiple times during this investigation, with the first arrest occurring on August 15, 2025. Eller was arrested again on November 19th, 2025, and remains in the Ashe County Detention Center on a $1.8 million dollar bond. Eller was charged with 52 felonies that included 46 felony counts for conspiracy to sell, deliver, traffic Schedule II Controlled Substances and Methamphetamine.

The Ashe County Sheriff’s Office, along with various agencies, has been conducting investigations that have resulted in approximately 42 arrests so far, with more arrests
expected as the operation continues. The department has recovered significant amounts of illegal narcotics, cash, and weapons. The exact totals will be announced once the evidence is fully examined. The investigation is still ongoing, and additional arrests are expected.

A special thanks to Prosecutor Leigh Bricker of the 34th Prosecutorial District of North Carolina for his unwavering dedication and invaluable support throughout this case. Prosecutor Bricker worked closely with all involved agencies, providing consistent guidance and insight. He enabled detectives to pursue critical leads, strengthen evidentiary development, and build the strongest possible case. His cooperation and expertise were instrumental in bringing this matter to a successful resolution, and we cannot thank our local District Attorney’s Office more.

One wave after another, the ocean doesn’t quit, and neither will we. Every impact shapes us, every setback builds us, every next wave is a chance to rise.

Joseph Derrick Eller, age 44, of Jefferson, was booked under a $1,800,000 secured bond. His charges include:
• 33 Felony Counts Conspire Sell/Deliver SCH II CS
• 13 Felony Counts Conspire Traffic Methamphetamine
• 2 Felony Counts Conspire Deliver Methamphetamine
• 2 Felony Counts Conspire Commit Felony Larceny
• Felony Conspire to Sell Methamphetamine
• Felony Conspiracy

Josh Armond Drumgoole, age 41, of Greensboro, was booked under a $ 2,350,000 secured bond. His charges include:
• 7 Felony Counts Conspire Traffic Methamphetamine
• 3 Felony Counts Traffic in Methamphetamine
• Felony Flee/Elude Arrest with Motor Vehicle
• Felony Possession of Firearm by Felon
• Felony Continuing Criminal Enterprise
• Reckless Driving to Endanger

Julio Cesar Medina, age 34 of Boomer, was booked under a $1,050,000 secured bond. His charges include:
• 3 Felony Counts Attempted Trafficking in Meth by Sell
• Felony Continuing Criminal Enterprise
• Felony Conspire Traffic Methamphetamine
• Felony PWIMSD Sch. II Controlled Substance
• Felony Sell Sch. II Controlled Substance
• Maintain Place Controlled Substance
• Probation Violation

David Berry Eller, age 58, of Wilkesboro, was booked under a $400,000 secured bond. His charges include:
• Felony Conspire Traffic Methamphetamine
• Felony Continuing Criminal Enterprise

Marcus Joe Gwyn, age 49, of Purlear, was booked under a $305,000 secured bond. His charges include:
• 4 Felony Counts Conspire Sell/Deliver SCH II CS
• 3 Felony Counts Conspire Traffic Methamphetamine
• Felony Continuing Criminal Enterprise

Matthew Allen Cobbs, 48, of Wilkesboro, was booked under a $350,000 secured bond. His charges include:
• 4 Felony Counts Conspire Traffic Methamphetamine
• Felony Continuing Criminal Enterprise

Misty Lynn Testerman, age 39, of Millers Creek, was booked under a $50,000 secured bond. Her charges include:
• 2 Felony Counts Traffic in Methamphetamine

Jayce Luther Weston, age 34 of North Wilkesboro, was booked under a $ 1,000,000 secured bond. His charges include:
• 4 Felony Counts Conspire Traffic Methamphetamine

Jessica Nicole Weston, 39, of North Wilkesboro, was booked under a $350,000 secured bond. Her charges include:
• Felony Conspire Traffic Methamphetamine

Robert Lee Blevins, age 54 of Lansing, was booked under a $500,000.00 secured bond. His charges include:
• 2 Felony Counts Traffic in Methamphetamine
• Felony Flee/Elude Arrest with a Motor Vehicle
• Fail to Heed Light and Siren

John Charles Severt, age 56 of Jefferson, was booked under a $300,000 secured bond. His charges include:
• 2 Felony Counts Traffic in Methamphetamine
• Resisting Public Officer

Michael Edward Patrick, age 55, of West Jefferson, was booked under a $200,000 secured bond. His charges include:
• Felony Conspire to Sell Methamphetamine

Stacy Mark Bell, age 66, of West Jefferson, was booked under a $100,000 secured bond. His charges include:
• 4 Felony Counts Conspire Sell Deliver Sch II
• Driving while Impaired

Barry Gale Dishman, age 63, of West Jefferson, was booked under a $125,000 secured bond. His charges include:
• 2 Felony Counts Traffic in Methamphetamine
• Felony Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS
• Felony Possess Methamphetamine
• Possess Drug Paraphernalia

Jeffery Allen Dishman, age 58, of Jefferson, was booked under a $100,000 secured bond. His charges include:
• 2 Felony Counts Traffic in Methamphetamine
• Possess Methamphetamine

Alejandro Quintana Cardenas, age 40 of South Bend, IN, was booked under a $750,000 secured bond. His charges include:
• Felony Conspire Traffic Methamphetamine

Alfonzo Anwan Marble, age 34 of North Wilkesboro, was booked under a $1,000,000 secured bond. His charges include:
• Felony Conspire Traffic Methamphetamine

Angelica Mae Martin, age 37, of Greensboro, was booked under a $200,000 secured bond. Her charges include:
• Felony Conspire Traffic Methamphetamine

Pamela Denise Logan, age 63, of Wilkesboro, was booked under a $5,000 secured bond. Her charges include:
• Felony Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS

Jason Allen Bollinger, age 42, of Grassy Creek, was booked under a $50,000 secured bond. His charges include:
• 2 Felony Counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS

Micheal Charles Emerson, age 60, of Jefferson, was booked under a $101,500 secured bond. His charges include:
• Felony Possess Methamphetamine
• Felony Conspire to sell Methamphetamine
• Possess Drug Paraphernalia

Kristy Hope Eastridge, age 41, of West Jefferson, was booked under a $1,000 secured bond. Her charges include:
• Possess Methamphetamine
• Felony Maintaining a Vehicle to Keep/Store CS

Kevin Hargrave, Davidson County Correctional Center. His charges include:
• 2 Felony Counts Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 400grams

Emanuel Brewington, Wake County Correctional Center. His charges include:
• 2 Felony Counts Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 400grams

Charles Aaron Cox, age 44 of Laurel Springs, was booked under a $25,000 secured bond. His charges include:
• 2 Felony Counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS

Jonathan Andy Boggs, age 44 of Warrensville, was booked under $25,000 secured bond., His charges include:
• 2 Felony Counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS

Jeremy Duke Snyder, age 48, of Creston, was booked under a $ 50,000 secured bond. His charges include:
• 2 Felony Counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS

Lindsay Edwin Milam, age 62, of Mountain City TN, was booked under a $25,000 secured bond. His charges include:
• 2 Felony Counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS

Jackie Diane Royall, age 48 of Jefferson, was booked under a $25,000 secured bond. Her charges include:
• 2 Felony Counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS

Robert Brandon Woodie, age 39 of Jefferson, was booked under a $52,500 secured bond. His charges include:
• 4 Felony Counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS
• Felony Possess Methamphetamine
• Possess Drug Paraphernalia
• Simple Possession Sch. II CS

Dustin Andrew Quick, age 42 of Jefferson, was booked under a $52,500 secured bond. His charges include:
• 2 Felony Counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS
• Felony Possess Methamphetamine
• Possess Drug Paraphernalia Simple Possession Sch. II CS

James Alan Testerman, age 52 of Crumpler, was booked under a $50,000 secured bond. His charges include:
• 4 Felony Counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS

Jody Chad Blevins, age 45 of Lansing, was booked under a $50,000 secured bond. His charges include:
• 4 Felony Counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS

Brittany Michelle Bare, age 37 of Jefferson, was booked under a $5,000 secured bond. Her charges include:
• Felony Conspiracy

Timothy Harold Price, age 59 of Jefferson, was booked under a $128,500 secured bond. His charges include:
• Felony Conspire Traffic Methamphetamine• 2 Felony Counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS
• Possess Controlled Substance Prison/Jail Premises

Jama Dawn Roberts, age 46 Of Jonesville, was booked under a $25,000 secured bond. Her charges include:
• 2 Felony Counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS

Hope Anne Milam, age 26 of West Jefferson, was booked under a $25,000 secured bond. Her charges include:
• 2 Felony Counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS

Robert Dean Cox, age 52 of Crumpler, was booked under a $325,000 secured bond. His charges include:
• 3 Felony Counts Conspire Traffic Methamphetamine
• 2 Felony Counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS

Kevin Joseph Porter, age 39 of Jefferson, was booked under a $150,000 secured bond. His charges include:
• Felony Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine
• Felony Probation Violation out of County
• Felony Probation Violation

Hollie Brown, State Prison. Her charges include:
• 2 Felony Counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS

Dustin Call, State Prison. His charges include:
• Felony Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine

Tasha Anderson, Wilkesboro Detention Center. Her chargers include:
• Felony Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine

These Individuals are still wanted by the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office

Christopher Ordon Bare

Glenna Chantel Greer

Steven Glenn Burke