Undercover investigation at Finlay Park culminates in 10 drug arrests

Columbia police arrested 10 people after a six-month investigation of illicit drug sales at Columbia’s Finlay Park and the downtown bus station at 1700 Sumter Street.

The investigation was launched after community complaints about “continuous drug activity” at the two locations, police chief Skip Holbrook said in a news release.

Charged with distributing marijuana or conspiracy to distribute marijuana in the vicinity of Finlay Park are: Shakema Carter, 29; Michael Cook, 35; Melvin Green, 57; David Hollins, 46; Rockie Jackson, 28; Ramond Murphy, 37; Deron Sample Jr., 23; Michael White, 26; and Octavia Young, 45.

Charged with distributing crack cocaine near the park was Marion Edmond Jr., 35.

Warrants for selling pot have been issued against two other suspects, Avery Clark and James Parham Jr.

This story was originally published November 20, 2015 at 6:39 PM.