A joint undercover operation by the Greenville Police Department and the Butler County Sheriff's Office has put three men in jail this week and more than $4,200 in confiscated cash could now be used to continue the fight against drug trafficking here in Butler County.

BCSO Chief Deputy Kenny Harden said investigators obtained a warrant to search the residence of Frederick Ladon Crenshaw, 809 Wimberly Street in Greenville, after allegedly purchasing marijuana from that individual during an undercover operation.

Harden said the execution of the warrant uncovered approximately one ounce of marijuana and a large amount of cash in assorted currency.

He said the evidence recovered from the residence coupled with the alleged purchase by an

undercover officer gave investigators reason to arrest Crenshaw, 26, Melvonia Lee Loveless, 20 and a 17-year-old male on felony possession and distribution charges.

Crenshaw was charged with possession of marijuana first degree and unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, both felonies, while the other two subjects were charged with possession first degree.

All three individuals were transported to the Butler County Jail. Loveless was released on a $20,000 bond and the juvenile was released into the custody of his guardians that same day. At press time Crenshaw was still being held.