The Washington Police Department continued its Project Next Step initiative with a series of arrests during the past week.

The crime-reduction/gang-prevention program, which began in 2009, is designed to improve the quality of life in designated areas through concentrated efforts by law enforcement and community partners. Recent arrests include more than 78 charges lodged against 39 individuals so far.

The 38 felony and 40 misdemeanor warrants include the following:

• Jessica Carter, 32, on 11 felony counts that include trafficking opium and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud,
• Ronn Curtis Lawrence, 31, on four counts of possession with intent to manufacture sell or deliver cocaine,
• Steven Manning, 29, who was served arrest warrants in Pitt County Detention Center, on six felony counts of breaking and entering and larceny after breaking and entering,
• Adgrikist Lee Floyd, 25, on six charges of failure to appear in court for possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine as well as many other failure-to-appear warrants and other charges.

“Additional charges are either on file or pending further investigation,” said WPD Lt. William Chrismon. “We want to thank our community for their continued support and assistance in this on-going effort. We will continue to work hard to provide the quality of life our citizens, businesses and visitors deserve.”