Ashe Narcotics Team Makes Several Arrests


The Narcotics Division of the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office has recently made several arrests in their battle against drugs.  43 year old Richard Edward Barnhill, and his son, 20 year old Richard Carlton Barnhill of West Jefferson were arrested on April 19 and each charged with trafficking in Opium and Conspiracy to Traffic in Opium.  Both have had first appearances, but are still currently held in Ashe County Detention Center.  The elder Barnhill is being held on $24,900 bond while his son is being held on $100,000 bond. 30 year old Michael James Dishman of  West Jefferson, NC was arrested on April 16 and charged with Possession of Cocaine and Possession with Intent to Sell  Cocaine.  He is currently being held in the Ashe County Detention Center under a $15,000 bond. 62 year old William Roby Hicks of West Jefferson, NC was arrested on April 16, and charged with 3 counts of Trafficking in Opium.  Hicks has been released on bond and is awaiting his probable cause hearing in Ashe County District Court.