Late last week, UCSO detectives concluded an extensive narcotics homicide investigation
with the arrest of 32-year-old Trenton Butler of Monroe, NC. In March of 2022, UCSO
detectives began to investigate the narcotics overdose death of 26-year-old Javier Sanchez-
Ramirez of Monroe, NC. During the investigation, UCSO Criminal Investigations
detectives along with the UCSO Narcotics Eradication Team (NET) identified Trenton
Butler as the source of supply for the deadly, illicit fentanyl that was deemed to be the
cause of death for Sanchez-Ramirez.

Last week, detectives executed a search warrant at Butler’s residence in the 300 block of
Macedonia Church Road. During the search of the home, UCSO detectives located and
seized over 800 illicitly pressed pills containing the deadly narcotic, fentanyl. Detectives
also located and seized numerous firearms within Butler’s residence which he cannot
legally own due to his prior felony convictions.

Butler was transported to the Union County Jail where he was charged with the following
criminal offenses:

- (F) Death by Distribution
- (F) Second Degree Murder
- (F) PWIMSD SCH II CS (3 counts)
- (F) PWIMSD SCH IV CS
- (F) Firearm by Felon (2 counts)
- (F) Trafficking in Opium, Heroin
- (F) Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS

Butler was taken before a local judicial official and received a secured bond of 1.5 Million
Dollars. Butler remains in the custody of the Union County Jail at this time. Union County
Sheriff Eddie Cathey adds “I am proud of our Criminal Investigations division for the hard
work and countless hours that went into investigating this case. The UCSO will continue
to do our part to hold narcotics traffickers accountable for intentionally supplying deadly
substances that ultimately ruin and/or end the lives of those in our community”.

For those in our community dealing with substance abuse addiction, please see the list of
local resources below for available assistance. We at the UCSO will continue to encourage
and refer those seeking assistance to the proper organizations while actively working to
stop the supply of deadly narcotics from entering our local community.

Ground 40
(704) 883-5185
www.ground40.com

Bridge to Recovery
704-909-8025
help@thebridgetorecovery.org

House of Pearls
704-324-0028 (house)
HouseofPearlsMinistry@gmail.com

Dove’s Nest
704-333-HOPE (4673), ext. 501
admissions@charlotterescuemission.org

Daymark Recovery Service
www.daymarkrecovery.org
(704) 635-2080

Point of contact for this press release is Lt. James Maye, (704)506-6843