Robbery case leads to multiple fentanyl busts

In connection with the arrest of a six-time felon with a history of drug trafficking regarding a March 7 armed robbery, Lawton police believe they are making a dent in the local fentanyl trafficking network.

Detectives with the Lawton Police Department’s Special Operations Unit have made multiple arrests after detectives learned Thomas Joseph Carter, a known fentanyl trafficker, was involved in a robbery, Lt. Charles Whittington, LPD information officer said.

Carter, 40, was charged Wednesday in Comanche County District Court for felony charges of first-degree robbery and possession of a firearm after former felony convictions, records indicate.

Carter is accused of the March 7 robbery of a man at 2516 SW C. The victim told investigators earlier that day, Carter had been demanding $400 he was owed and in the night, he came to his home with another man, threatened and assaulted him with a handgun before taking the man’s earrings, G Shock watch, cell phone and truck keys before going into another room before leaving, according to the probable cause warrant.

Through their investigation, Whittington said, detectives discovered that Carter was staying at a motel located on Cache Road, the Economy Inn, 1122 Cache Road. Surveillance was conducted, and multiple traffic stops were made in connection with Carter’s motel room. A search warrant was executed on the room, where detectives discovered fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, property taken and the firearm that was used in the robbery.

“A total of seven individuals were arrested as part of this investigation,” he said. “The Lawton Police Department continues to work hard to keep our community safe and will continue to investigate criminal activity related to fentanyl trafficking and other offenses.”

Carter has prior felony convictions from Comanche County: December 2005, grand larceny; August 2007, receiving/concealing/withholding stolen property, possession of a controlled dangerous drug with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm after former felony conviction; November 2019, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and possession of a stolen vehicle; and July 2021, possession of a controlled dangerous drug with the intent to distribute and possession of a firearm after former felony conviction. He is being held on $100,000 bond for the robbery charges and more charges may be pending.

Whittington said for individuals struggling with narcotic addiction, support is available.

Contact the Oklahoma Mental Health and Substance Abuse website for assistance at https://oklahoma.gov/odmhsas.html.