Sheriff W.A. “Arnie” Holmes announced that a search warrant was executed on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at a residence located at 404 Rollins Lane in Essex County.
The warrant stemmed from a joint operation involving the United States Marshals Service and the Chesapeake Bay Drug and Gang Taskforce. The task force is comprised of members from the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police, the Tappahannock Police Department, the Northumberland County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.
As a result of the search, authorities seized two pistols—one of which had been reported stolen—a sawed-off shotgun, and suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $4,400.
The targets of the investigation were Alphonso Johnson (DOB 6-14-1989) and Christopher Brooks (DOB 8-24-1979), both of Essex County. Johnson was arrested on outstanding warrants. The investigation remains ongoing, and charges are pending against Brooks.
Sheriff W. A. “Arnie” Holmes commended his staff and partnering agencies for their collaborative efforts, stating that the operation successfully removed illegal drugs and firearms from the community.
