Blue Ridge Narcotics & Gang Task Force investigation nets dealer arrest in Culpeper

CULPEPER, VA – The Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force has concluded a three-month long investigation with the arrest of a Culpeper, VA resident. William E. Settle III, 36, was arrested by the Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force following a search warrant executed at his residence. Through the course of the investigation, Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force officers learned that Settle would routinely travel outside the Commonwealth to a fentanyl source of supply. Settle would then transport the fentanyl back to the Commonwealth for distribution and sale.

On July 26, members of the Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force obtained a search warrant for Settle’s residence located along the 600 block of Highview Court in Culpeper, VA. During a search of the residence, 50 capsules of fentanyl with a street value of $1500.00, $1,750.00 in currency, and 2 firearms were seized. Settle was arrested and charged with one felony count of possession with intent to distribute schedule I/II drug, one felony count of possession of a schedule I/II drug, one felony count of possession of a firearm while possessing schedule I/II drug, one misdemeanor count resisting arrest, one misdemeanor count of obstruction of justice. Settle was also served with outstanding failure to appear warrants out of Culpeper. Additional charges are pending. Settle was transported to the Culpeper County Jail where he is being held without bond.

The Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force is composed of law enforcement personnel from the Culpeper, Orange, Rappahannock Sheriff’s Departments, Culpeper, and Warrenton Police Departments and the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Culpeper Field Office.