Following an investigation, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) special agents charged two employees and several patrons with numerous felony and misdemeanor drug charges. This investigation also resulted in the execution of a search warrant and the seizure of nine firearms.
In January of 2024, ALE received complaints regarding the sales of controlled substances allegedly occurring at Big Easy, located at 222 Fayetteville Street, Cardinal Bar, located at 713 North West Street, and Davie Bar, located at 444 South Blount Street Suite 101, which are ABC permitted establishments located downtown Raleigh.
ALE special agents initiated an investigation substantiating the complaints. Marijuana and cocaine were purchased from employees and patrons of Big Easy, a patron at Davie Bar, and two patrons at Cardinal Bar. This comprehensive ALE investigation is part of a larger controlled substance and alcohol enforcement initiative in the Raleigh downtown area.
As a result of the investigation, ALE special agents charged two employees and multiple patrons with numerous felony and misdemeanor drug charges. ALE also executed a search warrant at the residence of Matthew Moretz, located at 4648 Grinding Stone Drive, Raleigh, NC, where agents seized more than half ounce of cocaine, 16 grams of Alprazolam, a quantity of Adderall pills, and nine firearms.
As a result of this investigation, the following individuals were charged:
Matthew Brown, 46, of Raleigh (employee of Big Easy): **Arrested on 5/23/24**
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): **Arrested on 5/23/24**
conspiracy to sell cocaine
allow criminal conduct on licensed premises
Antonyo Armstead, 29 of Raleigh (patron of Big Easy): (Felony Warrants Outstanding)
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): **Arrested on 5/24/24**
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): **Arrested on 5/23/24**
possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana
sell marijuana
deliver marijuana
Alvin Ampaire, 31, of Cary (patron of Cardinal): (Felony Warrants Outstanding)
possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana
sell marijuana
deliver marijuana
ALE special agents will submit a report to the ABC Commission documenting the investigative findings. The ABC Commission may choose to 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.
About ALE:
ALE’s 111 specially trained agents have the authority to arrest and take investigatory action throughout North Carolina. Their primary responsibility is the enforcement of Alcoholic Beverage Control, tobacco, state lottery and gambling laws.
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