Judge denies release for 8 drug sting suspects

The eight officers are among 15 named in a 54-count indictment that alleges they took part in drug-trafficking operations along the East Coast. The investigation, dubbed “Operation Rockfish,” uncovered 16 separate operations between August 2013 and March 2015 to move large quantities of cocaine, heroin and cash through North Carolina along the Interstate 95 corridor.

The judge on Thursday allowed one of the defendants – Northampton County 911 dispatcher Tosha Dailey - to be released into the custody of her parents.

In closing remarks, attorneys for the suspects argued that they are not a flight risk and pose no danger to their communities. They said all the officers have strong families who would be reliable third-party custodians.

Several of the attorneys called Operation Rockfish a sham because the officers were given fake drugs by FBI agents.

However, Judge James Gates said the suspects have “a strong incentive to flee.”

Most family members leaving the courtroom in Raleigh declined to comment on the judge’s decision. But Garfield Green said his son, Alphonso Ponton, should be home.

“I mean, he made a mistake and nobody’s perfect,” he said.