35 people arrested as Raleigh police, ALE investigation hones in on downtown’s Moore Square

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A joint investigation by the Raleigh Police Department and North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division has resulted in the arrests of 35 people at the downtown GoRaleigh Station and Moore Square. The operation was cited as part of the reason the City of Raleigh announced it is closing an entrance to the GoRaleigh Station.

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Earlier this summer, Raleigh police asked ALE for help fighting “a rise in criminal activity and a decline in the quality of life in and around the Moore Square area.” According to a news release, this came after several businesses in the area made complaints to ALE special agents, worrying about the safety of their employees and customers.

“This investigation found illegal alcohol and drug activity taking place in areas where children were playing and going to school, and where families were going to church,” the news release said. “In one instance, a juvenile suspect sold crack cocaine to an undercover agent in a public park restroom while EMS was responding to an overdose call just feet away, all while children and their parents unknowingly played.”

Law enforcement officials said multiple undercover ALE agents were able to buy drugs and alcohol on several occasions, including sometimes from juveniles. In one instance, members of ALE and the Raleigh Police Department “encountered a middle school-aged absconder” who had a “secure custody order for attempted murder that was subsequently served.” That juvenile was later found to have crack cocaine and stolen goods, police said.

A variety of drugs were seized during the investigation, officials said, with crack cocaine, fentanyl and alcohol being the largest amounts. The 35 people arrested so far face more than 130 felony charges mostly related to drugs and alcohol, according to law enforcement.

The joint investigation also led to the discovery of a crack cocaine manufacturing network based in Zebulon, leading to a raid on Duggins Oak Drive that police said resulted in the seizure of a firearm, drugs and manufacturing equipment.

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“These results demonstrate what can be accomplished when our law enforcement agencies work together toward a common goal,” Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce said. “Our officers and our partners at the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division worked together to share intelligence, coordinate enforcement efforts and leverage our respective expertise. These efforts help us address criminal activity and make our downtown community safer.”

Officials said 23 of the 35 people arrested in the operation are convicted felons, with two of them also being convicted registered sex offenders. Petitions were also filed for two juveniles allegedly involved in the sale of crack cocaine.

“During interactions with downtown businesses, owners and employees raised safety concerns with our agents about crimes occurring right outside their doors. Those concerns, along with the Raleigh Police Department’s Downtown Initiative and summer action plan, created a clear opportunity for ALE and RPD to partner on this effort,” said ALE Director Bryan House. “Through this undercover operation, ALE special agents and RPD officers focused on identifying and addressing the networks involved in illegal activity in these areas. This investigation underscores our shared commitment to supporting a safe downtown environment in our capital city.”

The investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement said more arrests are expected.

“Downtown Raleigh is a place everyone should be able to safely enjoy,” said Wake County Assistant District Attorney Thomas Crosby. “I commend the Raleigh Police Department and the NC ALE on this operation and commit our office to continued partnership.”

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