NC agents make drug arrests, seize guns in investigation of downtown Raleigh bars
N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement agents charged suspects with drug and other crimes and seized nine guns in an investigation into criminal activity in downtown Raleigh bars, the agency said Wednesday.
In January, ALE received complaints about drugs being sold at Big Easy on Fayetteville Street, Cardinal Bar on North West Street and Davie Bar on South Blount Street Suite 101, according to an N.C. Department of Public Safety news release.
Special agents bought cocaine and marijuana from employees and patrons at Big Easy, a patron at Davie Bar, and two patrons at Cardinal Bar — all part of a bigger enforcement initiative the ALE said it is conducting in the downtown area.
Two employees and multiple patrons were charged with felony and misdemeanor drug charges. ALE also searched the home of Matthew Moretz on Grinding Stone Drive in Raleigh where they seized nine firearms, over half ounce of cocaine, 16 grams of Alprazolam and Adderall pills, according to the release.
The suspects and their charges
The release stated these individuals were charged:
Matthew Brown, 46, of Raleigh (employee of Big Easy):
conspiracy to sell cocaine
two counts of allowing criminal conduct on licensed premises
possession of cocaine
possession of drug paraphernalia
Kayla Boyd, 24, of Raleigh (employee of Big Easy):
conspiracy to sell cocaine
allow criminal conduct on licensed premises
Antonyo Armstead, 29 of Raleigh (patron of Big Easy):
possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine
sell cocaine
deliver cocaine
possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana
sell marijuana
deliver marijuana
conspire to sell cocaine
possession of drug paraphernalia
possession of marijuana paraphernalia
Matthew Moretz, 41, of Raleigh (patron of Davie Bar):
two counts of possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine
possession with intent to sell and deliver amphetamine dextroamphetamine
sell cocaine
possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school
maintain dwelling to keep and maintain controlled substances
possession of marijuana
possession of drug paraphernalia
Jeremy Booth, 46, of Raleigh (patron of Cardinal):
possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana
sell marijuana
deliver marijuana
Alvin Ampaire, 31, of Cary (patron of Cardinal):
possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana
sell marijuana
deliver marijuana
What will happen next?
ALE special agents will submit a report to the Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
The commission could sanction Big Easy for employees possessing and selling controlled substances and Cardinal for employees consuming alcoholic beverages while working.
Sanctions could include a fine, suspension, or revocation of the business’ ABC permits.
What is Alcohol Law Enforcement?
ALE’s 111 agents have the authority to arrest and take investigatory action throughout North Carolina to enforce Alcoholic Beverage Control, tobacco, state lottery and gambling laws.
“Alcohol and illegal controlled substances are contributing factors in various crimes, including violent and other destructive offenses,” ALE director Bryan House said in a statement. “ALE special agents prioritize investigations to ensure establishments are safe and that alcoholic beverages are being sold responsibly.”
This story was originally published May 29, 2024 at 7:42 AM.