MEDIA RELEASE
Narcotics Search Warrant Executed in Bassett Area
On February 20, 2026, at approximately 11:45 AM, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office executed a narcotics-related search warrant at a residence located at 381 Out-A-Way Dr., Bassett, VA.
This operation was the result of an ongoing investigation conducted jointly by the Sheriff’s Office Vice Unit and Drug Interdiction Unit. The investigation originated from information received from members of the community regarding suspected illegal drug activity at the residence.
During the course of the investigation, one individual was taken into custody following a traffic stop conducted by the Narcotics Interdiction Unit. During the stop, K-9 Axel conducted a free sniff of the vehicle that led deputies to the suspected crack cocaine, U.S. currency, and firearms in the vehicle. The individual taken into custody was identified as Claude Donnell Woods, 67 years of age, a convicted felon who resides at the residence where the search warrant was executed.
While deputies were executing the search warrant at the residence, a second individual barricaded himself inside a structure on the property. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team responded and deployed chemical munitions, which resulted in the individual exiting the structure peacefully. He was taken into custody without further incident and identified as Verlon Reno Hall, 47 years of age.
While investigators were on the property conducting the search, Leroy Ellis, 57 years of age, arrived at the residence to visit. During the encounter, investigators determined that Ellis was wanted by the Martinsville Police Department. Ellis was subsequently taken into custody without incident.
Investigators also located additional evidence at the residence consistent with the distribution of illegal narcotics.
Claude Donnell Woods, No Bond – Henry County Adult Detention Center
- Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-248 – Possession with the intent to sell Schedule I or II drugs (cocaine)
- Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-248 – Possession with the intent to sell schedule I or II drugs (methamphetamine)
- Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-308 – Possession of Schedule I/II drug with a firearm.
- Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-308 – Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Verlon Reno Hall, No Bond – Henry County Adult Detention Center
- Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-460 – Resisting Arrest/Obstructing Justice
- Violation of Virginia Code Section: 19.2-82.1 – Falsely identifying self to law enforcement
- Violation of Virginia Code Section: 19.2-306 – Probation Violation (Franklin County)
- Violation of Virginia Code Section: 19.2-306 – Probation Violation (Franklin County)
- Violation of Virginia Code Section: 19.2-306 – Probation Violation (Franklin County)
Leroy Ellis, $1,000.00 secured bond – City of Martinsville
- Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-57(c) – Assault on Law Enforcement Officer
- Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-460 – Obstruction of Justice
- Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-119 – Trespassing
- Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-388 – Drunk in Public
Items seized:
- Approximately thirteen ounces of crack cocaine
- Approximately five ounces of methamphetamine
- Digital scales commonly used in the distribution of narcotics.
- Eight firearms
- Three motor vehicles
- 3 ATV’s
- One utility trailer
- Other power tools and equipment
This investigation is still ongoing, and more charges are possible pending further review of the evidence.
More information regarding charges will be released as it becomes available.
Sheriff Wayne Davis stated, “Illegal drugs continue to destroy lives, families, and neighborhoods. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office will remain relentless in pursuing those who distribute narcotics in our community. We appreciate the citizens who come forward with information and help us build strong cases that hold offenders accountable.”
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to aggressively addressing illegal drug activity within our community. These investigations require time, coordination, and community cooperation to ensure successful prosecution.
This investigation is ongoing. Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at 276-638-8751 or Crimestoppers at 63-CRIME (632-7463). The Crimestoppers Program offers rewards of up to $2500.00 for information related to a crime. The nature of the crime and the substance of the information determine the amount of reward paid.
