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Sheriff reports major fentanyl seizure and recent felony sentences; commission hears drug‑task‑force update
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Summary
Sheriff Steve Dawson told the commission his office and a regional task force recently seized more than 3 ounces of fentanyl (described as enough for about 40,000 lethal doses), and he highlighted recent long sentences in local prosecutions; commissioners also approved closing a dormant drug‑task‑force account at the prosecutor's request.
Sheriff Steve Dawson reported to the Hardy County Commission that deputies and a multi‑agency task force have been active on drug‑related investigations, including a traffic‑stop seizure of more than three ounces of fentanyl that he described as sufficient for tens of thousands of lethal doses.
Dawson said task‑force work produced multiple indictments and prosecutions; he cited two recent sentences on state charges — William Shaw received a 30‑year sentence and Daniel Martin 26 years — in cases tied to fentanyl possession with intent to deliver and related conspiracies. He said six search warrants were served in recent drug operations and that the county’s task‑force personnel have worked closely with the local prosecutor, whose office obtained those outcomes.
The sheriff noted some of the county’s immigration‑related work with ICE has slowed because of federal court scheduling, but he said he has met with Homeland Security officials and is pursuing renewed cooperation. He also thanked commissioners for budget support and noted the department remains under budget for the reporting period.
Separately, the prosecutor’s office asked the commission to close a dormant checking account that had been used by the Hardy County Drug Task Force; commissioners approved the closure and directed distribution of remaining funds to the police department and sheriff’s office.
The meeting included a staff report that a deputy involved in a recent traffic stop was evaluated for fentanyl exposure and treated; county staff reported a workers’ compensation claim was filed and the deputy’s injuries were not life‑threatening.
The sheriff’s account and the approved administrative steps (account closure and fund distribution) were presented for informational and procedural action; no further policy motion on task‑force structure was taken at the meeting.
