Last Updated on November 23, 2025 3:53 pm
ASHE COUNTY — Ashe County Sheriff B. Phil Howell has announced the most significant drug trafficking takedown in Ashe County history is currently underway, with approximately 42 arrests – mug shots can be found below – made so far and an estimated 80 to 100 total arrests expected as the investigation continues.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Crystal Ball,” began in January 2025 as an investigation by the Ashe County Sheriff's Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. What started with two agencies quickly expanded to involve assistance from more than 23 partner agencies across multiple states.
The Main Suspect
The investigation began with Joseph Derrick Eller, 44, of Jefferson. Eller was arrested multiple times during the investigation, with the first arrest occurring on Aug. 15, 2025. He was arrested again on Nov. 19, 2025, and remains in the Ashe County Detention Center on a $1.8 million bond.
Eller faces 52 felonies, including 46 felony counts for conspiracy to sell, deliver and traffic Schedule II Controlled Substances and methamphetamine.
Scale of the Operation
Sheriff Howell emphasized the unprecedented scope of the investigation in a statement released Thursday.
“This case represents the largest arrest operation in Ashe County history,” Howell said. “The investigation began in January of this year and rapidly intensified, expanding far beyond initial expectations. What started with two agencies quickly grew to involve assistance from more than 23 partner agencies.”
The department has recovered significant amounts of illegal narcotics, cash and weapons. The exact totals will be announced once the evidence is fully examined. The investigation is still ongoing, and additional arrests are expected.
Sheriff's Statement
Howell praised the dedication of his team and partner agencies.
“I cannot begin to express to the public the sheer amount of time and dedication our Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division and SBI agents have invested in this operation,” Howell said. “These professionals have worked tirelessly, through countless days and nights, to remove every possible gram of narcotics from our streets and develop a case that will stand the test of time.”
“The scale of this case was never the objective; instead, it grew as a direct result of the relentless commitment and depth of effort these teams poured into their work. I am profoundly grateful to the individuals who sacrificed immeasurable hours away from their families to protect ours.”
Howell also thanked Prosecutor Leigh Bricker of the 34th Prosecutorial District of North Carolina for his support throughout the case.
“Prosecutor Bricker worked closely with all involved agencies, providing consistent guidance and insight,” Howell said. “He enabled detectives to pursue critical leads, strengthen evidentiary development, and build the strongest possible case. His cooperation and expertise were instrumental in bringing this matter to a successful resolution, and we cannot thank our local District Attorney's Office more.”
Still Wanted
Three individuals are still wanted by the Ashe County Sheriff's Office in connection with Operation Crystal Ball:
- Christopher Ordon Bard
- Glenna Chantel Greer
- Steven Glenn Burke
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to contact the Ashe County Sheriff's Office at 336-846-5600.
Sheriff Howell thanked all the agencies that contributed to Operation Crystal Ball: North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI), North Wilkesboro Police Department, Wilkes County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division, United States Postal Inspectors Service, Alamance County Sheriff's Office (CANE-K), Davidson Sheriff's Office, Lexington Police Department, Kannapolis Police Department, Wake County Sheriff's Office, Greensboro Police Department (VCAT), Alleghany County Sheriff's Office, Watauga County Sheriff's Office, Boone Police Department, Wilkesboro Police Department, West Jefferson Police Department, South Bend Police Department (Indiana), St. Joseph's County Sheriff's Office (Indiana), Wisconsin State Patrol-1, North Carolina Regional Fugitive Apprehension Team, Jackson County Sheriff's Office (Wisconsin), Johnson County, Tennessee Sheriff's Office, Surry County Sheriff's Office, NC 34th Prosecutorial District Attorney's Office, Georgia Dept. of Corrections and the Georgia State Bureau of Investigation.
