On Thursday, March 12, 2009, the Martinsburg Police Department conducted a controlled purchase for narcotics utilizing a confidential informant. During the incident an arrangement was made between the informant and an unknown male to conduct a transaction of crack cocaine for currency. The C.I. traveled to a predetermined location in Martinsburg and waited for the unknown male to arrive. A short time later, a vehicle later determined to contain the suspected dealer was observed circling the parking lot. The vehicle and it’s occupants then met with the confidential informant and officers converged on the area before the transaction could take place. The suspected dealer was taken into custody and identified as John Griggs. Upon arresting Mr. Griggs, he was found to have approximately 3.7grams of crack cocaine in his pocket and mouth, which were packaged for distribution. The driver of the vehicle, Francis Burkhart, was also taken into custody without incident. Both Mr. Griggs and Mr. Burkhart were charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver Crack Cocaine and Conspiracy to Deliver Crack Cocaine. They were then taken to the Eastern Regional Jail to await arraignment.

John Griggs
DOB: 06/13/61

No Fixed Address

Francis Eugene Burkhart

DOB: 09/03/71

420 Crestview Drive, Inwood WV