Detectives nab 3 after seeing drug deal

Three people were arrested Thursday after detectives witnessed a drug deal at a hotel room, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert said in a news release.
—Eric Charles, 23, of Egle Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 12:15 p.m. Thursday on a warrant for possession of Schedule II cocaine and possession of Schedule I marijuana second offense, distribution of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of a controlled dangerous substance law (drug free zone), and transactions involving drug proceeds.
—Jovon Johnson, 30, of the 1700 block of Cedar Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 12:15 p.m. Thursday for possession of Schedule I marijuana, and violation of a controlled dangerous substance law (drug free zone).
—Chrisdian Poole, 21, of the 600 block of Egle Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 12:15 p.m. Thursday for possession of Schedule I marijuana, possession of Schedule II cocaine, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Narcotics detectives conducted an investigation at a hotel in Morgan City. Detectives observed Charles walk out of a hotel room and meet with another person who was identified as Johnson. Detectives witnessed a transaction between the two, in which Charles sold a bag of marijuana to Johnson, Hebert said. Detectives detained both people.
The investigation led detectives to Charles’ hotel room where they made contact with Charles’ girlfriend, identified as Poole, Hebert said.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for the room and located more than $5,700 in crack cocaine and marijuana, a handgun, and items of drug paraphernalia. The crack cocaine has an estimated street value of $4,200. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $1,520. Detectives also found Charles to be in possession of $480 which was seized pending forfeiture, Hebert said.
All three were jailed. No bail is set on Charles and Johnson. Poole’s bail is set at $11,000.