Detectives with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Vice-narcotics Unit have arrested a Wilmington couple on drug trafficking and child abuse charges.
Michelle Gilliam and Freddie Taylor, III, were arrested June 24 after a three-month investigation into the sale of heroin at a home on Orange Street, according to sheriff’s office spokesman Sgt. Jerry Brewer.
“The investigation stemmed from several citizen complaints revolving around Freddie Taylor III selling large amounts of heroin from his residence while his girlfriend, Michelle Gilliam, and three juveniles were present,” Brewer said. “Detectives made controlled purchases of heroin from Taylor at 1812 Orange St. while Gilliam and the three juveniles were present.”
A search warrant was later executed at the residence on Orange Street.
“There were two small juveniles present when detectives made entry into the residence,” Brewer said.
Detectives found 267 bags of heroin, syringes, prescription medications and a small amount of marijuana, Brewer said.
A representative from the Department of Social Services also went to the Orange Street home and opened an investigation into the matter involving the children at the request of the sheriff’s office, Brewer said.
Taylor, 35, and Gilliam, 30, were each charged with trafficking heroin, possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and two counts of child abuse.
Taylor was taken to the New Hanover County jail and placed under a $250,000 secured bond. Gilliam was also taken to jail and placed under a $100,000 secured bond.
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