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A Keysville man is one of three now facing charges as part of a narcotics investigation in nearby Prince Edward County. The Prince Edward County Sheriff’s Office released documents and arrest reports over the weekend about part of an ongoing case.

Keysville resident Billy Lee Dempsey, 43, was arrested and charged on Thursday, April 24. He faces charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm while in possession of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm while being a violent convicted felon. He was one of three men connected to the case so far.

Also arrested was James Dylan Shane Murphy, of Prince Edward County. He faces charges of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possession of a firearm while in possession of a schedule I/II controlled substance with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm by a violent convicted felon. A third man connected to the case, Dagen Ryan Newcomb, is still being sought by Prince Edward authorities. He faces charges of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and possession of a firearm while in possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

According to information released by Epps, the arrests started back on April 16, when deputies and investors executed a search warrant at a house on Junction Canal Road. There they found Murphy, who also had multiple felony and misdemeanor warrants out for his arrest at the time. The deputies also seized what Epps labeled as “distributable quantities” of methamphetamine and multiple firearms. 

It was after further investigation that Dempsey was arrested. Epps said the investigation is still ongoing.