Two individuals from the local area have been apprehended in separate incidents by the Sylva Police and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for their alleged involvement in operating trap houses.
A man named Brent Brooks, aged 34 and residing in Sylva, was arrested on multiple charges. These charges include one felony count each of maintaining a vehicle, dwelling, or place for distributing controlled substances, as well as trafficking opium or heroin. A warrant for Brooks’ arrest was issued on June 30 following an incident that occurred on January 23. According to the warrant, Brooks purportedly utilized a residence at 87 Rhodes Cove Road in Sylva as a central location for the distribution of fentanyl. Upon his arrest, Brooks was found to be in possession of 25.43 grams, just under an ounce, of an unidentified opiate substance, as stated in the warrant.
Another individual, Michael Sean Lewis, aged 55 and residing in Sylva, was also apprehended for his involvement in drug-related activities. Lewis faces one felony count each of maintaining a vehicle, dwelling, or place for distributing controlled substances, possession of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a Schedule I controlled substance. Additionally, he faces one misdemeanor count each of possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana paraphernalia. Lewis was arrested on July 6 after allegedly using a residence located at 343 Pecan Drive as a hub for his drug operations, according to a magistrate’s order. During his arrest, Lewis was allegedly found in possession of an undisclosed amount of methamphetamine, seven grams of psilocybin mushrooms, along with plastic baggies and digital scales. Some of the bags contained a green leafy substance suspected to be marijuana, according to court documents.
The offense of maintaining a vehicle, dwelling, or place for distributing controlled substances is classified as a Class I felony, punishable by a prison sentence ranging from three to 12 months if convicted. The charge of trafficking opium or heroin varies from Class C to F felony, depending on the quantity of drugs seized. Possessing between 14 and 28 grams of these substances constitutes a Class E felony, carrying a prison sentence of 90 to 117 months and a minimum fine of $100,000.
Brooks was taken into custody at the Jackson County Detention Center and subsequently released on bail. On the other hand, Lewis remains incarcerated with a secured bond set at $275,000, facing these charges as well as others.
