On July 15, 2009, I was arrested and charged with possession with the intent to sell and deliver 5 grams of marijuana and maintaining a drug dwelling.

On this day, my home on Blakely Road was invaded by the Scotland County Sheriff's Department and the Scotland County Drug Unit. During the raid, grenades were thrown into my home, burning holes in my floor and on my furniture. I was forced to the ground while automatic weapons were shoved in the back of my head before I was presented with a search warrant. My home was ransacked during the search. There were no drugs found in my home.

I was released on bond from the Scotland County jail after 15 days. Three weeks later, I received a letter from my attorney stating that all charges were dismissed.

Because of these charges, I lost my home which left me and my family homeless. It also resulted in me losing my medical care.

I was not given an apology from anyone with the Scotland County Sheriff's Department or the Scotland County Drug Unit.

If they would put more interest with solving the murder of the two young men on Blakely Road, instead of wasting taxpayer's dollars on false charges, I could be proud of the Scotland County Sheriff's Department.

Willie Covington