FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Iredell County Sheriff’s office is cracking down on illegal activity at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in the City of Statesville.

Sheriff Darre  Campbell announced Tuesday that the ICSO received numerous complaints about possible drug activity, prostitution, and loitering at the park. Citizens were concerned about the type of crimes that were occurring in a park where children play and other has come to enjoy the area and requested the Sheriff’s Office’s assistance, Campbell said.

The ICSO Narcotic’s Unit and Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Team conducted surveillance and undercover operations at the park. Investigations are continuing to ensure all families who come to the park are safe to play and enjoy their time, Campbell said.

During the operation, the following individuala have been arrested:

William Timothy Karriker, 53, of Branchwood Road, Statesville, North Carolina 28625 was charged with Misdemeanor Indecent Exposure and Misdemeanor Nudity at a Public Park. He was issued a $5,000 secured bond by Magistrate Thompson. Karriker has been banned from the park as part of his release order by the Magistrate.

Walter James Darnell, 55, of Olin Loop, Olin, North Carolina 28660 was charged with Misdemeanor Indecent Exposure. He was issued a $500 secured bond by Magistrate Callejas. Darnell has been banned from the park as part of his release order.

John McClure Bennett, 57, of King Arthurs Court, Denver, was charged with Misdemeanor Indecent Exposure. He was issued a $500 secured bond by Magistrate Callejas. Bennett has been banned from the park as part of his release order.

Tiffany Amber Power, 26, of Eastway Drive, Statesville, was charged with Felony Possession of Methamphetamine and Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Powers also had two outstanding warrants for her arrest. She was issued a 17,500.00 dollar secured bond by Magistrate M. Russel.