Aug. 7, 2002
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Fairfax County Police and Herndon Police raided three neighboring Herndon businesses last Wednesday and arrested five suspects on charges ranging from drug possession to felony trademark and copyright violations.
The three search warrants resulted from a joint investigation into the distribution of pirated compact discs and distribution of illegal narcotics, Herndon Police Sergeant Donald Amos said in a statement.
Toussaint Summers, Jr., Herndon Police Chief, announced the arrests at last Thursday's Town Council Retreat. The raid, Summers said, was the result of an eight-month investigation into on the 900 block of Alabama Drive.
More than 70 law enforcement officers, including police, swat and organized crime units, took part in the bust, the chief said. "The work isn't done," he said. "We must continue to clean this area up every day."
THE SEARCH, according to police documents, focused on three businesses: Sil-Tech Hair Gallery and The Back Door at 902 Alabama Drive and El Super Mercado next door at 904. The buildings back up to the Herndon Middle School playing fields.
According to court documents, police sought the search warrant during a narcotics investigation at the hair salon. A Herndon police detective, according to documents, learned that counterfeit compact discs were allegedly being sold at several businesses at 902 and 904 Alabama Dr.
Herndon Police arrested two men during the Aug. 1 search. Marvin Pearce, a 48-year-old Herndon resident, was arrested on six outstanding warrants and one count for conspiracy to distribute heroin and five counts of distribution of cocaine. Pearce remains in the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center on $30,000 bond.
Eric Nelson, 32, was arrested on one outstanding warrant and distribution of PCP. He was taken to Loudoun County Detention Center, according to Amos.
Fairfax County police arrested three suspects during the joint operation. Brian Monticue, 29, of Reston was charged with two felony counts, one for possession of more than 100 counterfeit CDs and another for trademark violations. Monticue is listed as the proprietor of The Back Door, according to the business license on file with the Town of Herndon. Monticue was also charged with a misdemeanor for possession of marijuana.
Paul Park, manager of El Super Mercado, was charged with four felony counts, two for possession of over 100 cassette tapes and CDs and two for trademark and copyright infractions.
BONDS WERE ISSUED for Park and Monticue, but both men were released on their own recognizance, said Officer Jackie Smith.
"It is probably premature to have a comment," said Park's attorney, William Hassan, "There is no basis to charge Paul with anything erroneous."
Jonathan Wright, 30, of Herndon was charged with misdemeanor possession of counterfeit CDs and was released on a summons. According to court documents, Wright, who is the owner and manager of the hair salon, has been convicted of shooting missiles into an occupied vehicle as well as carrying a concealed weapon. In addition, he was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter. Wright was released from prison one year ago after serving eight years, documents said.