October 19, 2005 Tepic, Mexico
James "Ricky" Chappell Jr and Larry Session are sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for distributing crack cocaine

Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell announced today that two more major drug traffickers were sentenced in federal court this week as a result of Project Rat Pack that began in November 2002. Project Rat Pack is an on-going investigation targeting major drug traffickers and organizations that are operating in eastern North Carolina. Both individuals were responsible for large quantities of crack cocaine that were being sold or traded in our communities in Johnston County.

James Arthur "Ricky" Chappell, Jr., age 46, of Sara Lane in the Red Hill Community outside Clayton, was convicted of Possession With Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine and sentenced yesterday to 12 years in federal prison, after an extensive undercover investigation.

"It is no secret Ricky Chappell has been a high level drug supplier for many years; however, this is just another example that you can't outrun the long arm of the law," said Sheriff Bizzell. "We will use every available resource to arrest those like Ricky Chappell who think they are going to continue providing drugs in our communities."

Also sentenced yesterday in federal court was Larry Darnell Session, age 45, of Robin Lane, Clayton, who was convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Crack Cocaine and sentenced to almost 13 years in federal prison for his participation in this major drug operation. Larry Session is just another member of the family who has gone on to meet his reward behind bars for providing illegal drugs that are destroying our communities and wreaking havoc on our families.

The Johnston County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division, assisted by the State Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney's Office in Raleigh, continue to partner in an effort to tear down the foundation that supports the distribution of illegal drugs in our neighborhoods.

Source: Johnston County Sheriff's Office