Michael Hicks (left) and William Randy Burgess
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RANDOLPH COUNTY, N.C. -
A Ramseur cattle farmer and several family members suspected of growing and selling marijuana were charged Friday after a lengthy, multi-agency undercover investigation.
Randolph County Sheriff Maynard Reid said William Randy Burgess, 61, of 5638 William Burgess Rd., was growing marijuana on his cattle farm with the help of his son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and a couple of acquaintances.
During the course of the investigation, authorities searched three residences and seized 14.25 pounds of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, cash, four firearms and two vehicles, the sheriff's office said.
The sheriff's office estimated the drugs are worth $56,000.
The Randolph County Sheriff's Office vice unit, the Liberty Police Department, the High Point Police Department and the State Bureau of Investigation were all involved in the investigation.
According to Reid, Burgess was caught for selling marijuana in 1999 but didn't serve prison time.
On Friday, authorities charged Burgess, his son William Ray Burgess, 41; daughter-in-law Paula Phillips Burgess, 40; grandson William Michael Burgess, 21; granddaughter Shauna Nicole Burgess, 17; Michael Dwight Hicks, 40; and Junior Calvin Saunders II, 46.
William Randy Burgess and Hicks were charged with several counts of trafficking in marijuana and conspiring to traffic in marijuana. Both were jailed under $50,000 bonds.
William Ray Burgess and Paula Phillips Burgess were charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, felony possession of marijuana and maintaining a dwelling place for a controlled substance. Both were jailed under $25,000 bonds.
Paula Burgess was also charged with selling or giving a handgun to a minor.
Reid said she gave the gun to Shauna Nicole Burgess, who was charged with possessing a handgun by a minor.
The sheriff's office said William Randy Burgess is also the owner and operator of Burgess Hauling.
Randolph County Sheriff Maynard Reid said William Randy Burgess, 61, of 5638 William Burgess Rd., was growing marijuana on his cattle farm with the help of his son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and a couple of acquaintances.
During the course of the investigation, authorities searched three residences and seized 14.25 pounds of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, cash, four firearms and two vehicles, the sheriff's office said.
The sheriff's office estimated the drugs are worth $56,000.
The Randolph County Sheriff's Office vice unit, the Liberty Police Department, the High Point Police Department and the State Bureau of Investigation were all involved in the investigation.
According to Reid, Burgess was caught for selling marijuana in 1999 but didn't serve prison time.
On Friday, authorities charged Burgess, his son William Ray Burgess, 41; daughter-in-law Paula Phillips Burgess, 40; grandson William Michael Burgess, 21; granddaughter Shauna Nicole Burgess, 17; Michael Dwight Hicks, 40; and Junior Calvin Saunders II, 46.
William Randy Burgess and Hicks were charged with several counts of trafficking in marijuana and conspiring to traffic in marijuana. Both were jailed under $50,000 bonds.
William Ray Burgess and Paula Phillips Burgess were charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, felony possession of marijuana and maintaining a dwelling place for a controlled substance. Both were jailed under $25,000 bonds.
Paula Burgess was also charged with selling or giving a handgun to a minor.
Reid said she gave the gun to Shauna Nicole Burgess, who was charged with possessing a handgun by a minor.
The sheriff's office said William Randy Burgess is also the owner and operator of Burgess Hauling.
