Spencer man faces drug charges in federal court
A Spencer man was arrested Feb. 25 on numerous federal drug and firearms charges, according to Sheriff Dan Smith.
Rico Thadeus Scales, 22, is charged with six counts of distribution of cocaine, one count of distribution of more than five grams of crack cocaine, and two counts of use of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense.
Smith said Scales allegedly delivered large quantities of cocaine to Patrick County over an extended period of time during 2008.
Scales appeared in U.S. District Court in Roanoke Monday, where he was released on a $50,000 bond.
Smith said the investigation was led by Major Garry Brown, chief deputy, and Sgt. Eric O'Connell with assistance from the Virginia State Police.
O'Connell is assigned to the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Task Force, which affords the sheriff's office a "more direct route" to federally prosecute certain cases, especially those that involve firearms, Smith said.
"I have made it clear from the start, this office will use every available resource in order to arrest and prosecute drug dealers in Patrick County," Smith said.