BROOKSVILLE — A Brooksville man who rapped about selling drugs on Maple Street is now behind bars – for allegedly selling drugs on Maple Street.
Art “Hank” Davis, 26, was arrested Tuesday on a trafficking controlled substances charge, a LCSO press release said.
Along with Davis, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office Special Tactics Investigative Narcotic Group arrested five suspects Tuesday in connection to a drug trafficking operation based in East Columbus, ultimately recovering a pound of methamphetamine, marijuana and three semi-automatic handguns.
The STING Unit began investigating Davis after receiving tips from confidential informants claiming he was selling controlled substances in the Columbus area, including methamphetamine, marijuana, fentanyl and others.
The investigation revealed Davis was using social media to conduct and communicate about drug trafficking, the press release said. Deputies also learned he is an aspiring rapper.
In a song called “Hood Pharmacy,” Davis told his listeners – and apparently LCSO agents – “I’m trapping on Maple Street.” Trapping is slang for selling drugs at a specific location, commonly referred to as a trap house.
Agents determined a residence at 145 Maple St. was indeed the location of Davis’ alleged drug operation.
Agents on Tuesday arranged an undercover drug deal with Davis through social media, agreeing to meet at a local motel and purchase one ounce of methamphetamine.
Unaware he was under surveillance, Davis left the house and made three stops within a one-block radius, allegedly for other drug sales.
He then confirmed he was on his way to the motel to undercover agents. Agents surveilling Davis followed him to the motel, where at about 6 p.m. he was taken into custody.
Terrica Ydaysia Hendricks, 27, of Columbus, was in the vehicle with Davis, along with a 6-year-old child. Hendricks was also charged with trafficking a controlled substance. The child was released to a family member, the press release said.
In Davis’ vehicle, agents found approximately a half-pound of meth, various pills and marijuana. Agents also seized a semi-automatic handgun and cash.
Agents then searched the Maple Street residence, seizing another half-pound of meth, along with more pills, marijuana and money.
During the search, Jermaine Terrance Hendricks and Keyante “Cash” Summerville, both 36, and Talesha Ann Hendricks, 42, were each arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance.
As the house was being searched, four juveniles pulled up in a vehicle. Inside, agents found two Glock handguns and more marijuana. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges against the suspects are expected.
Hawkins used the case as a reminder for why it’s important to report suspicious activity.
“Having individuals involved in drug dealing nearby poses a significant danger to innocent residents, exposing families to unwanted drug activity, gang violence, and other risks,” he said in the press release. “We want these families to know that we are doing everything in our power to put a stop to this.”
McRae is a general assignment and education reporter for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 33 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 33 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
