NEWPORT (WATE) - Four people were arrested in Newport Friday in a multi-agency investigation of a pain pill distribution ring.
Officers with the Cocke County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Marshals Service and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation searched the home of Ralph Teague at 1443 River Chase Trail.
Teague, along with his son, Gary Teague, have been the subject of a narcotics investigation since January. The sheriff's office says confidential informants have bought tramadol and oxycodone from Gary Teague and oxycodone from Ralph Teague.
Officers found an empty oxycodone bottle prescribed to Gary Teague that was filled on July 24. Another oxycodone bottle prescribed to Regina Webb for the same date was also empty.
Chris Suggs, who told officers he had lived at the residence since early July, also had an empty oxycodone bottle filled on July 7.
The sheriff's office said Webb and Suggs told officers that Ralph Teague often pays for their trips to pain clinics to fill their prescriptions. In exchange, they give him part of their pills.
Ralph Teague is suspected of helping several Cocke County residents get prescription medication and being involved in the sale of a "vast amount" of prescriptions within the past two years, according to the sheriff's office.
Officers found various empty prescription bottles, evidence of pain clinic visits and money order receipts in the home.
The sheriff's office seized $12,300 that was in Ralph Teague's pants pocket, $453.17 found in the home, along with thousands of dollars worth of lawn equipment, hand tools and flat screen TVs, all believed to be traded for pills.
Ralph Teague's Cadillac Eldorado and 2000 Ford F-150 pickup truck were also seized because they're allegedly paid for by drug sales.
Ralph Teague was on federal probation and is a convicted felon. He was arrested, taken to Greeneville and ordered held without bond.
Gary Teague, Chris Suggs and Regina Webb were arrested and charged with conspiracy to sell and deliver Schedule II drugs. Each was held on a $10,000 bond.
Part of the evidence the sheriff's office seized.
