An ongoing investigation into the illegal sale of prescription drugs in McDowell County leads to the arrest of a number of people in the Welch area on Monday, Oct. 26, 2015. Deputies and officers with the Southern Drug and Violent Crime Task Force held a drug warrant round up. Many of the arrests happened at the Elkhorn Towers in Welch.
Here is a list of the offenders:
| Offender | Crime | Bond |
| Cecil Dale Ellis of Welch | Delivery of a Schedule II Controlled Substance – 1 count | $50,000 |
| Justin Grant Kidwell of Coalwood | Delivery of a Schedule II Controlled Substance – 1 count | $25,000 |
| Terry Lee Blankenship, Jr. of Welch | Delivery of a Schedule II Controlled Substance – 3 counts Delivery of a Schedule III Controlled Substance – 1 count | $90,000 |
| Ricky Joe Justice of Welch | Delivery of a Schedule III Controlled Substance – 3 counts | $45,000 |
| Corey Dustin Williams of Welch | Delivery of a Schedule II Controlled Substance – 3 counts | $75,000 |
| David Lynn Fitzpatrick of Roderfield | Delivery of a Schedule II Controlled Substance – 1 count | $30,000 |
| Matthew Edward Fruia of Big Sandy | Delivery of a Schedule II Controlled Substance – 3 counts | $75,000 |
| Darrell Maurice McDaniels of Welch | Delivery of a Schedule II Controlled Substance – 1 count | $30,000 |
| Donna Gail Clendenin of War | Delivery of a Schedule III Controlled Substance -3 counts | $45,000 |
All of the suspects were arraigned in front of McDowell County Magistrate Richard Vandyke. Most are being held in the McDowell County holding unit until they can be taken to the Southwestern Regional Jail. Justin Kidwell was the only person to be released on bond.