Caroline County business owner among arrests in narcotics investigation

CAROLINE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The owner of a pet supply store in Caroline County is facing multiple drug charges following a narcotics investigation that authorities say is part of a broader crackdown on methamphetamine in the county.

Gregory Dadd, 51, is one of two men arrested last week in what the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office has dubbed “Operation Crystal Clear.” The investigation led deputies to search both Dadd’s home and his business, E.M. Dodgers Pet Supply and Bath House, a store that has served the community for more than a decade.

“We’ve seen an uptick in methamphetamine in Caroline County, so we take it very seriously,” Sheriff C. Scott Moser said.

Authorities say the rise in methamphetamine in recent months prompted the operation, which has resulted in five arrests so far this month.

According to a press release, deputies executed a search warrant on Friday, March 27 at Dadd’s home in a gated community on Lake Caroline Drive, where investigators say they found methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Deputies also searched Dadd’s business but did not find drugs there. Moser said the investigation is ongoing and would not rule out whether narcotics were distributed from the store.

“I’m not going to say that it was or it wasn’t. Right now, we certainly have still an ongoing investigation,” Moser said.

Dadd is charged with distribution, conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He is being held without bond at Pamunkey Regional Jail and is expected to appear in court Wednesday morning.

Moser said as someone who knows the people of his community, he takes this operation personal. He said the investigations underscore the impact that drug use has on individuals.

“Drugs today are different than they have been in years past. They will actually cause people to die and cause people to down spiral,” he said. “A perfect example... Gregory Dadd, he was on top of his game, had a good business running, and he spiraled out of control. I think the drugs had a lot to do with that.”

In a separate incident, deputies arrested 45-year-old David Curtis Jr. during a traffic stop on Monday, March 23, on Nancy Wrights Drive. He's charged with distribution of methamphetamine.

Moser said tips from the community have played a key role in the investigations.

"Any tips or information the public may have that can help us fight this problem, we’re willing to take and run with them,” he said.