Employees, customers facing drug charges after months-long ALE investigation

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Two employees at The Big Easy in downtown Raleigh and several customers from nearby bars are facing a series of drug charges following a months-long North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) investigation.

The investigation included a raid at a house that uncovered drugs and guns.

ALE got complaints regarding the sales of controlled substances allegedly occurring at Big Easy, Cardinal Bar, and Davie Bar in January.

During that investigation, they found marijuana and cocaine were purchased from employees and customers from the Big Easy, a patron at Davie Bar and two patrons at Cardinal Bar.

"ALE special agents work to address criminal activity in and around ABC-permitted businesses throughout the state. This investigation is part of a larger drug and alcohol enforcement initiative in downtown Raleigh," said Bryan House, Director of North Carolina ALE. "Alcohol and illegal controlled substances are contributing factors in various crimes, including violent and other destructive offenses. ALE special agents prioritize investigations to ensure establishments are safe and that alcoholic beverages are being sold responsibly. We value partnering with and educating business owners and their employees to make a greater impact on this effort."

Matthew Brown, 46, and Kayla Boyd, 24, are both employees of The Big Easy.

Brown was charged with conspiracy to sell cocaine, possession, and allowing it on licensed premises.

Boyd was charged with conspiracy to sell as well as allowing it on licensed premises.

Antonyo Armstead, 29, a patron of The Big Easy is facing a list of felonies including possession, sell and deliver cocaine and marijuana.

Jeremy Booth and Alvin Ampaire, listed as patrons of Cardinal Bar, are both facing intent to sell and deliver marijuana charges.

Matthew Moretz, 41, is facing a slew of drug charges as well.

ALE also executed a search warrant at his home on Grinding Stone Drive in Raleigh where they seized more than a half ounce of cocaine, 16 grams of Alprazolam, a quantity of Adderall pills, and nine firearms.

They also noted that Cardinal employees were drinking alcohol while on the job.

The Cardinal owner, Jason Howard, reiterated that the people arrested were patrons and not employees.

"We're not complicit in this and we don't reserve a space for drug dealers to deal drugs," said Howard.

ALE will submit a report to the ABC Commission. That agency may choose to sanction the businesses, which could mean a fine, suspension or revocation of their permits.

Ampaire and Armstead still have outstanding felony warrants.

All others will have their next court date on June 11 or 12.

ABC11 reached out to the businesses implicated in the investigation. Davie Bar declined to comment. The Big Easy had not yet responded to a request for comment.