SMITHFIELD, Va. (WAVY) — Nearly $40,000 in marijuana was seized, four people have been arrested and business licenses have been revoked at four vape store locations following an investigation into illegal marijuana sales in the town, police said Monday.

Abdulla Yahya, Oumar Hammety, Kelsey Ewell and Aiman Alghazali were all arrested and face felony and misdemeanor possession with intent to distribute charges. Yahya and Hammety face one felony and misdemeanor charge, each, while Ewell and Alghazali face two charges, each.

The Smithfield Police Department responded to multiple vape store locations Monday morning as a result of ongoing investigation.

“It’s been a four-month undercover investigation looking into the illegal sale of marijuana," said Smithfield Police Chief Alonzo Howell.

The investigation also snagged: 

• Planet Tobacco and Mart, 1005 S. Church St. - Arrested: Yahya, Charges: One felony count of possession with intent to distribute, Seized: 11.2 ounces of marijuana
• Smithfield Tobacco and Vape, 1921 S. Church St. - Arrested: Hammety, Charges: One felony count of possession with intent to distribute, one misdemeanor count of possession with intent to distribute, Seized: 3.5 pounds of marijuana
• Discount Tobacco and Vape, 1264 Smithfield Plaza - Arrested: Ewell, Charges: two felony counts of possession with intent to distribute and two misdemeanor counts of possession with intent to distribute, Seized: 20 ounces of marijuana
• Tobacco and Vape Cigars and CBD and Kratom, 13404 Benns Church Blvd. - Arrested: Alghazali, Charges: Two felony counts of possession with intent to distribute and two misdemeanor counts of possession with intent to distribute, Seized: 6.2 pounds of marijuana

The investigation targeted narcotics and is being conducted with the Virginia DMV Law Enforcement Division, the town of Smithfield, the Isle of Wight Sheriff's Office, the Virginia State Police Drug Task Force, the Virginia State Police and the Isle of Wight Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.

Smithfield vape shops investigation (WAVY photo)

Smithfield vape shops investigation (WAVY photo)

Smithfield vape shops investigation (WAVY photo)

Smithfield vape shops investigation

Smithfield vape shops investigation

Smithfield vape shops investigation

WAVY Photo: Corby Slaughter

WAVY Photo: Corby Slaughter

WAVY Photo: Corby Slaughter

WAVY Photo: Corby Slaughter

Howell told WAVY the investigation was into the illegal sale of marijuana and vapes to minors. He said they arrested one person and have three others in custody.

"We found marijuana at all four locations," Howell said.

You couldn't miss the tremendous show of force at all the sites, with people asking what was going on.

"The vapes were being sold to juveniles, and that was the initial complaint," Howell said, "and from that, we also received a complaint that marijuana was part of being sold. Therefore, that's what led to the undercover investigation."

The first to be arrested an employee who allegedly sold marijuana, and the chief has this message to those selling dope.

“The message is that the illegal sale of marijuana is just not tolerated," Howell said. "As such, the businesses [have] been shut down for the illegal sale of marijuana in violation of the town ordinance.” 

The signs up at the four locations state the businesses are now closed.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — A 21-year-old charged with second-degree murder for the drowning of her 5-month-old son had her bond temporarily denied Friday.

VBPD charges woman with murder, child neglect in infant’s death

While in court Friday morning, Circuit Court Judge James Lewis said he believes Brianna Candelaria, 21, is entitled to bond, but temporarily denied it due to a volatile home situation.

A lot of the testimony centered around the volatile homelife she would return to if bond was granted. As Candelaria entered the courtroom, she looked to her right and saw her mother and two sisters in the back row. They were emotional as she entered the courtroom.   

Back in January, 10 On Your Side interviewed Candelaria's friend, Tyajah Burnette, who outlined what happened when police showed up July 29.  

"She told me that she was giving the baby a bath," Burnette said. "She stepped out of the bathroom to get a towel, and when she came back, the baby was underneath the water and a rag was stuck in the drain. She ended up telling me that she forgot the baby was in the tub."  

 Burnette also told us what happened when police showed up.

"They questioned her, but they never charged her with anything, and she was free to go," Burnette said.   

Candelaria did not take the stand, but her mother did.

Candelaria's mother, Lena Guralnik, testified on her daughter's behalf Friday, saying that if Brianna is given bond, she would be able to stay with her.

The issue with this proposal, according to Lewis, is that Candelaria is said to have an unstable relation with her sister, Victoria. Guralnik, however, told Lewis that Victoria would not be staying at the house.

According to officials, after the death of her son, police were called to the house after claims that Candelaria was chasing Victoria with a butcher knife. While she was not charged for this incident, Candelaria currently is facing misdemeanor charges in New York City in connection with strangling Victoria in front of a child.

Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Jonathan Gallo argued that Candelaria should be denied bond due to her volatility, claiming that she is a flight risk. Her public defender, however, told the court her 5½ month old son, Valentino Lopez, died of accidental drowning. 

Lewis said he would grant Candelaria bond only when the home situation improves. He also said he wanted her to find a residential program to attend if she is granted bond.

The trial is set for March 17.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — Outside Apartment 3025, they came bearing gifts, balloons, candles, teddy bears and other stuffed animals to remember three children killed, and their mother who's thought to be responsible and is also dead.

CPD: 3 children, 1 woman dead after apparent murder-suicide

When Ivonni King heard there was a massive police presence at his sister’s Chesapeake home, he feared the worst. 

“That she had murdered all the children and then killed herself," Ivonni King said.

He knew his sister, Cymone King, was troubled. 

“She was ... from knowing her in past situations," he said. "I took it seriously from previous incidents where has she threatened to do this. She has threatened to do this before.” 

He said she suffered from mental illness, depression, and had recently broken up with her longtime companion. 

Her neighbor and friend Remi told us the same thing, and had even talked with her about it. 

“She and her girlfriend got into it, and I had to talk her out of it," Remi said. "She was going to take her own life. She was going to give the kids to me.” 

10 On Your Side followed up that she talked to Remi about taking her own life. 

“I talked her out of it a couple of times,” she said.  

10 On Your Side followed up on that, did Remi ever call someone to get her help? 

“I didn't know anybody to call," Remi said.

Asked how we would explain this, Ivonni King said, “I’m going with mental illness because we all know she had mental illnesses, [and] has been to certain psychiatric centers.” 

Ivonni King regrets a lot, too.  

“I thought because she was doing something with herself, she was working, part of a group for electricians, I thought she was on her way," he said.

Neighbor Mechelle Thornton heard screams in the morning around 6:30. She’s thinking hard about those screams of the innocent three children. 

She was emotional talking about it. 

“I heard screaming," Thornton said, weeping. "The kids were trying to call out for help. This I wish, I wish I could save the kids. I wish I could have saved the kids."

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) — There are thousands of people like the Virginia Beach woman who had been struggling to get benefits and a job because she had been declared dead.

Not dead yet: VB woman thought dead has to prove living status

10 On Your Side has since heard from others, including a retired police officer with 46 years of law enforcement experience.

But Jim Brewer is very much alive, and very much struggling with the system to try and convince it that he's, indeed, alive.  

According to the Social Security Administration, around 10,000 death records must be corrected each year. It is a small amount, but for those listed as dead when they are not, it is a big deal. 

Just one question — are you dead?

"Well, it depends on who you ask," Brewer told 10 On Your Side.

A lot of people have asked.

Brewer is considered dead with the Virginia Retirement System. He held the letter that read, "we are saddened to hear James Brewer's passing. The Virginia Retirement System extends our condolences to you at this difficult time.” 

Said Brewer: “I was dead. The state of Virginia thought I was dead — knew I was dead too because I got a retirement from them also.” 

Brewer is also dead to American Express.

"I got two American Express cards," Brewer said. "They told me yesterday, they said, ‘Mr. Brewer, we have records showing that you're dead,’ and I had to straighten that out because they were going to shut down my cards." 

And again, Brewer is listed dead to Medicare. 

“That is Anthem Medicare, and they wrote us, ‘The death of James Brewer, please accept our condolences’" Brewer said, reading from the letter. "...Yesterday, I called Medicare. They still have not been notified by Social Security that I am alive.” 

After our report two weeks ago, Jim wrote this email to 10 On Your Side, which included:

“Well, Andy, it looks like the story you did last week, social security has listed me as dead, and I was in their office today for four hours ... to try and fix it," Brewer wrote.

10 On Your Side reached out to the Social Security Administration, which had helped with the wrongful listing death of Virginia Beach resident Jaime Duzz. 

 We called SSA Regional Communications Director Shawn Fordham and left a message.

“Mr. Fordham, I got another person who's dead," 10 On Your Side told him, "but I'm sitting right here talking to him. His name is Jim Brewer. I’m going to text you with his information. He needs help from the SSA to let everyone know that he's alive, ... and I am holding the letter saying that he's dead."  

Fordham did not return 10 On Your Side's call, but he promptly called back Brewer and has promised to help, Brewer said.   

Brewer wants to get to the bottom of the mistake that has been troubling him.

"First of all, this is what I want:  I want to know who made the mistake," Brewer said. "I want to know who notified them, or who made the mistake. I don't want anybody disciplined. I don't want anybody to be fired. I want answers on how this happened. ...

"It is frustrating. It’s a lot of work. I’ve had to spend many, many, many hours on the phone because of this.” 

Brewer said he appreciated the call from Fordham, and he feels like he has the SSA's attention.  

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WAVY) — In the wake of the crash between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet near Reagan National Airport, passengers boarding flights said they still had confidence in flying.

In an immediate measure, the FAA decided to change helicopter access along the Potomac River amid the investigation into Wednesday evening's midair collision, in which 67 people, including the 60 passengers and four crewmembers on the American Airlines plane and the three crewmembers on the Black Hawk helicopter.

American Airlines flights, which had been mostly canceled Thursday, were running on-time Friday.

“I don't have any fears of flying because it is the safe aspect of transportation still," said Mark Clark, who was getting ready to hop on a shuttle from a nearby hotel to catch a flight to St. Louis.

He also thinks after a crash, it’s safer.

“I think it is somewhat true because everyone thinks, 'Hey, we got to make sure we do everything by the book now,'" Clark said. "You cross t’s dot I's, so I think that plays in to it.” 

At Reagan National, Chris, who did not give his last name, put air travel in perspective. 

“I think everybody's probably a little bit nervous about that right now," he said. "I mean, regardless of circumstance, aircrafts are down. So that's always scary. If you're a frequent traveler. I think in the real world, it's rare.” 

Anna Drew is going to San Diego.

“It does cross your mind you think about what just happened," Drew said. "It makes you a little leery." 

The Taylor's father and son are heading to Boston.

“I feel totally fine with flying," he said. "I feel it is a tragedy and our heart and prayers go out to the families. It was an accident, and not intentionally done.” 

Most people are choosing to fly because they genuinely believe it’s safe.

“It is discouraging and we are saddened, but that is not going to discourage me from flying," said Scott Simpson.   

He also said it’s time to be kinder and gentler to those involved with getting us on planes to take us where we need to go. 

“In general we have got to treat people with compassion," Simpson said. "I’m trying to travel to do my job. I need these people to do their job well, and I want them to have every opportunity to do their job well.”