Two charged in raids

HUNTINGTON — Federal, state and local authorities raided two Huntington apartments Thursday as part of an investigation into OxyContin and ecstasy distribution.

The early morning raid netted two arrests and confiscation of two firearms. Both suspects, Carolyn Tompkins and Kenneth Walker, are from Detroit, said Huntington Police Detective Paul Hunter.

The raided apartments were located in the 2900 blocks of 5th and Irvin avenues. Hunter said the apartments worked in concert with each other to distribute OxyContin and ecstasy. The arrests were part of an investigation ongoing for at least four months.

Authorities are still looking for Walter Respress. Hunter said police hoped to capture him Thursday. Respress was to be charged with weapons violations, but he was not located. Anyone with information about his whereabouts should contact authorities at 304-696-5925.

Tompkins, 36, was charged with possessing more than 200 ecstasy pills with an intent to deliver, Hunter said.

Walker, 35, was charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, Hunter said. Both were transported to the Western Regional Jail.

Authorities detained four others Thursday, but they were later released.

Hunter, a member of the FBI Huntington Violent Crime Drug Task Force, said the ongoing investigation focuses on the city’s OxyContin and ecstasy trade from Detroit. He expects additional arrests to occur.

“This is just a small part of it,” he said. “We’ve confiscated large amounts of OxyContin in this investigation. Other people have already been incarcerated in this same particular organization that we’re working.”

Hunter said authorities have seen an increase in ecstasy use, while OxyContin continues to be a major problem.

The ecstasy pills attributed to Tompkins’ arrest were recovered earlier in the investigation, Hunter said. No major drug seizure took place Thursday.

One firearm was taken from each apartment, Hunter said.

The FBI’s task force, the Huntington Police Department and the West Virginia State Police participated in the investigation. Huntington’s Special Emphasis Unit also assisted.

The Herald-Dispatch

Walter Respress

The Herald-Dispatch

Carolyn Tompkins

The Herald-Dispatch

Kenneth Walker