Batavia residents face drug charges

Batavia police have arrested two people suspected of dealing cocaine out of a public housing complex over the last two months.

Jeffrey Wilkerson, 52, and Shakira M. Shaw, 24, of separate apartments on the 1300 block of East Wilson Street, were arrested about 5 p.m. Thursday at Batavia Apartments. Detective Sgt. James Dixon said the pair sold cocaine to undercover agents on four occasions in November and December.

"They were both working together and sharing the profits," Dixon said, adding that police seized a "substantial amount" of cocaine as a result of the investigation.

Wilkerson was charged with more than a dozen felonies, including unlawful delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of public housing and possession with intent to deliver. Shaw faces six counts of delivery and possession.

Dixon said some of the charges were enhanced to Class X felonies, punishable by up to 30 years in prison, because they involved government-subsidized housing.

Both Wilkerson and Shaw, who return to court Jan. 7, remained in the county jail Monday with bond set at $500,000 and $150,000, respectively. Neither had an attorney listed in court records.