Department activity as of 7/15/2017

A man accused of downloading child pornography onto his laptop computer has been arrested for sexual exploitation of a minor. 37 year old Winston Puckett of Charlie Brown Lane, Granville will make a court appearance July 20 in DeKalb County General Sessions Court. He is under a $250,000 bond. On Thursday, July 13 a search warrant was executed by a DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department Detective on a Dell laptop computer belonging to Puckett. The computer was in Puckett’s possession on June 27 when it was turned over to law enforcement. The search warrant revealed over 400 images of child pornography that had been downloaded to the computer.

More charges have been brought against a Smithville man who recently posted offensive and blasphemous notes on the properties of several local churches. 57 year old Laddie Bill Jerrells of Long Street, Smithville, who had posted bond on the original charges July 5th, was arrested again on Wednesday July 12 on two additional counts in each case of vandalism, disorderly conduct, harassment, and desecration of honored places. His bond on these new charges is $12,000 and his court date is July 20. Although these are new charges this is not a new offense. Another church group came forward after this case was publicized earlier this week to report that someone had taped notes to the front door of their church building on May 30 and July 3 which contained blasphemous and offensive remarks. The incidents occurred at a time when no church services were being held. Smithville Police charged Jerrells for two cases in the city. The rest of the charges were brought by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department against Jerrells for the incidents at four churches in the county.

54 year old Jay Kent Williams of South College Street, Smithville is charged with driving under the influence; resisting stop, frisk, halt, arrest, or search; and tampering with evidence. He was further cited for violation of implied consent for refusing to submit to a blood test, driving on roadways laned for travel, no insurance, and violation of the light law. His bond is $10,000 and his court date is July 20. On Wednesday, July 5 a deputy received a call about a reckless driver in a white Kia. The officer spotted the vehicle northbound on South College Street and he pulled it over for failure to maintain lane of travel and for having a passenger rear tail light out. While speaking with Williams, the officer noticed a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person. His speech was slurred and his eyes were glossy. Williams told the officer that he had consumed one wine cooler and that he was on Xanax. Williams submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. He did not submit to a blood test and he resisted arrest forcing officers to physically restrain him. While being placed in custody, Williams grabbed something from his pocket and held it in his right hand. The officer tried to forcibly open Williams’ hand and saw a yellow bar shaped pill. Williams threw the pill into the grass. It could not be retrieved but Williams told the officer it was a Xanax pill.

34 year old Jamie Clinton Lynn of Short Mountain Highway, Smithville is charged with a sixth offense of driving on a suspended license. His bond is $5,000 and his court date is August 3. On Monday, July 10 a deputy witnessed Lynn operating a motorcycle on Miller Lane. Knowing that Lynn has active warrants against him, the officer pulled him over. A computer check confirmed that Lynn’s driver license are suspended and have been since March 8, 2004 for failure to pay or answer to original violations. Lynn has five prior offenses against him for driving while license suspended.

48 year old William Arthur Welch of Old West Pont Road, Smithville is charged with driving on a revoked license. He was further cited for failure to maintain lane of travel and for no insurance. His bond is $1,500 and his court date is August 3. On Tuesday, July 11 a deputy observed a red Dodge Dakota failing to maintain its lane of travel and he pulled it over. The officer also knew that Welch did not have a driver license and had recently been issued a citation for the offense. Welch admitted to the deputy that his license were suspended. A computer check confirmed that his license were revoked in Haywood General Sessions Court for failure to satisfy fines and costs.

59 year old Thomas Richard Squires of Neal Drive, Smithville is charged with violation of an active order of protection and resisting stop, frisk, halt, or search. His bond is $5,000 and his court date is August 3. On Thursday, July 13 a deputy responded to a residence on Neal Drive where Squires was alleged to have violated an order of protection. Upon arrival the officer found Squires inside a trailer on property which he is under a court order to keep away from. The deputy identified himself after which Squires responded “I’ve got something for you” and “let me unload this pistol”. At that time Squires came outside from the front of the home. The officer ordered Squires several times to raise his hands and to get on the ground but he refused. Squires was forcibly taken to the ground and placed in custody.

Department activity as of 07/11/2017

A homeless man was arrested two weeks ago after breaking into a home in Dowelltown. 37 year old Nathan Joseph Wilbert is charged with aggravated burglary, vandalism over $1,000, and evading arrest. He is under a $20,000 bond and his court date is July 20. On Sunday, June 25 Wilbert entered a residence on East Main Street in Dowelltown with the intent to commit a felony, vandalism. Wilbert gained entry by breaking out the door glass window. While in the home, Wilbert destroyed a 40 inch TV, two Indian statues, a door glass, a glass desk mirror, coffee pot, counter top, mini blind, and he punched a hole in the wall. The total value of the damage is $1,345. Wilbert did not have consent from the owner to be inside the home. Three days later, on Wednesday June 28 officers found Wilbert at the Dry Creek swimming area. As they approached to serve active warrants on him, Wilbert ran from them trying to evade arrest. The case was investigated by a Sheriff’s Department Detective.

A prisoner in the DeKalb County Jail Annex, 33 year old Jason Douglas Stembridge of Cantrell Road, Smithville, is charged with assault. He is under a $1,500 bond and his court date is July 20. On Tuesday, July 4, Stembridge walked up to another prisoner who had his back to him and struck the inmate in the face. The victim stood up and began to punch Stembridge. A Correctional officer then entered the cell and broke up the fight.

38 year old Kenny Wayne Bly of South Mountain Street, Smithville is charged with resisting stop, frisk, halt, or search. His bond is $2,500 and his court date is July 20. On Thursday, July 6 a deputy and detective went to Bly’s home to pick him up on an active warrant. Upon the officers’ arrival, Bly ran from them even after being ordered several times to stop. Bly was caught shortly thereafter and arrested.

30 year old Armando Palacio Blas of Smith Road, Smithville is charged with domestic assault. His bond is $2,500 and he will make a court appearance on July 20. On Thursday, July 6 a deputy was dispatched to the area of Food Lion to meet a man and his translator. The man told the officer that during a party at his home on Old West Point Road, Blas intentionally caused bodily injury to his wife by hitting her in the face causing redness and swelling to the side of her face on the cheek under her left eye. After the assault, Blas placed his wife in a vehicle and drove her to an address on Adcock Cemetery Road.

47 year old David Dewayne Anderson of Dedmon Hollow Road, Liberty is charged with a second offense of driving on a suspended license. His bond is $3,000 and he will be in court on July 27. On Friday, July 7 a deputy initiated a traffic stop on Dale Ridge Road for failure to maintain lane of travel. The officer spoke with the driver, Anderson who stated he had no driver license. His license were suspended on Friday, July 14, 2016 for failure to show proof of insurance. Anderson also has a prior offense of driving while license suspended.

46 year old Christopher Alan Richardson of Three Island Road, Sparta is charged with domestic assault. His bond is $5,000 and his court date is July 27. On Friday, July 7 a deputy was called to a location on Allen Ferry Road due to an assault on a woman. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the victim at the lake. She said that her husband, Richardson, had pulled her out of a vehicle and hit her about the face and head area. She also alleged that Richardson had kicked her in the head while wearing his boots. The woman suffered black eyes and she had knots and blood on her head. Richardson was determined to have been the primary aggressor and was charged with domestic assault. He was taken to the hospital to be treated for a broken hand.

A woman on probation was found with baggies of marijuana for resale during a law enforcement search of her home last week. 37 year old Amanda Lynette Davis of McMinnville Highway, Smithville is charged with manufacturing a schedule VI controlled substance (marijuana) and possession with the intent to sell or deliver a schedule VI drug. Her bond is $50,000 and her court date is July 27. On Friday, July 7 a state probation officer and a DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department deputy went to Davis’ residence on McMinnville Highway to do a probation search and to pick her up on an active warrant. During the search, five black trash bags were found, all containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana. Each bag was labeled a different type of marijuana and the pot was still on the stems including THC Bomb, Strawberry Delight, Grape God, and Deep Cheese. Another plastic baggie was found with a green leafy substance weighing 1.15 ounces. While the officers were conducting their search, Davis went to a truck outside the home and retrieved a glass pipe along with another plastic baggie containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana weighing 0.30 ounces. Davis admitted during an interview with officers that the marijuana belonged to her and that she had grown the plants herself in the woods. Davis was placed under arrest.

A Carthage teen indicted in May for various crimes including the rape of another male has been arrested by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. 18 year old Jacob Randall Stacy of Cordell Hull Circle, Carthage was named in sealed indictments on charges of rape, burglary, auto burglary, theft under $1,000 (2 counts), and vandalism (2 counts). His bond totals $55,000 and he will make a court appearance on July 24. At the time of the offenses, Stacy was a juvenile but his case was later transferred from the juvenile court to criminal court so he could be tried as an adult. Prior to his turning 18, Stacy was in the custody of the Department of Children Services.

On the rape charge, the indictment alleges that on or about October 29, 2016 in DeKalb County, Stacy did intentionally and or knowingly engage in unlawful sexual penetration of another male without his consent constituting the offense of rape.

Meanwhile, on October 17, 2016, Stacy allegedly entered the Mount Zion Baptist Church, not open to the public, with the intent to commit theft, constituting the offense of burglary. From the church, Stacy allegedly stole various food items being under the value of $1,000, constituting the offense of theft. During the break-in, Stacy allegedly caused damage to an interior door and two window screens of the church building.

On the same day, October 17, 2016, Stacy allegedly entered a 1995 Ford F-250 pickup truck with the intent to commit a theft constituting the offense of burglary of a motor vehicle. From the truck, Stacy allegedly stole personal checks, chewing tobacco, and a 10 foot trailer being under the value of $1,000 constituting the offense of theft under $1,000. During the break-in, Stacy allegedly damaged the dashboard and ignition of the truck.

32 year old Jonathan Dewayne Barnes of Talley Road, Smithville is charged with violation of bond conditions. His bond is $4,500 and his court date is July 13. On Monday, June 26 a deputy was patrolling on Highway 70 east when he noticed a small red four door sedan failing to maintain its lane of travel. After stopping the vehicle the officer spoke with the female driver and Barnes, who was a passenger. A computer check revealed that Barnes is under an active order which granted him bail in Sevier County but he is not to have contact with the woman he was riding with during this traffic stop.

46 year old Ricky Lane Evans of Gene Vaughn Road, Smithville is charged with driving on a suspended license. His bond is $1,500 and his court date is July 13. On Thursday, June 15 a detective stopped Evans and issued him a citation for driving on a suspended license. Evans’ license were suspended on May 19, 2015 for failure to pay child support. The detective spotted Evans again on Thursday, June 29 operating a motor vehicle on Jacobs Pillar Road. The detective knew that Evans did not have a driver license but he was unable to stop him. A warrant was later issued for Evans’ arrest.

65 year old Arlene Cookie Hullett and her son, 32 year old Nicholas Cody Walls both of Coconut Ridge Road, Smithville are charged with domestic assault. Bond for each is $2,500 and their court date is July 13. On Thursday, June 29 a deputy was called to a residence on Coconut Ridge Road due to a physical domestic. Upon arrival the officer spoke with Hullett who said that she and her son, Walls got into an argument. Hullett said Walls pushed her down and hit her four times about the head causing a large knot on her head. Walls was later stopped by a Smithville Police Officer on North Congress Boulevard. A deputy also responded and spoke with Walls who had marks on his neck and bruising to his hand. Walls confirmed that he and Hullett had gotten into an argument and but that she had fallen causing marks to her head. When she got up, Hullett became physical with Walls grabbing him around the neck. Both Hullett and Walls had consumed alcoholic beverages. Due to the inconsistent accounts of the incident, officers could not determine the primary aggressor. Both were arrested for domestic assault and taken to the sheriff’s department for booking.

59 year old Thomas Richard Squires of Neal Drive, Smithville is charged with violation of an order of protection. His bond is $1,500 and his court date is July 13. On Friday, June 30 a deputy was dispatched to the area of Neal Drive for a possible argument. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with Squires who had been in an argument with another man with whom he was living. Squires then went to the home of a woman who had an order of protection against him and yelled for her as he knocked on the back door. The woman opened her door long enough to order Squires to leave the premises. A computer check revealed that Squires was the respondent of an order of protection in which the woman was the petitioner.

47 year old Alford Mitchell Horn of Eagle Creek Road, Smithville is charged with theft of property. His bond is $5,000 and his court date is July 13. On Friday, June 30 a deputy responded to a residence on Holmes Creek Road due to a possible stolen vehicle. Upon arrival, the officer spoke to the owners who reported that their 2016 Hyundai Elantra was stolen. According to the victims, Horn was given the vehicle to be cleaned but that he was not to go anywhere in it. The victims claim they were unaware that Horn had taken the vehicle. Horn was later found in possession of the automobile at a business on Highway 70 east in Smithville.

36 year old Ross Lee Herrin of Vinewood Road, McMinnville is charged with evading arrest. His bond is $2,500 and his court date is July 20. On Monday, July 3 a deputy was dispatched to the Belk area due to a suspicious man and woman in a white 1990 Chevrolet Impala. The officer spotted the car on Belk Road. As the deputy turned on his blue lights to get the car to stop, the driver of the vehicle initially sped up but then pulled off to the side of the road into a driveway. The man got out of the car and ran off into the woods. The deputy identified himself as an officer and called several times for the man to stop but he kept running. The officer then spoke to the woman in the car and she confirmed that the man who fled was Herrin. He was taken into custody shortly thereafter just down the road.

25 year old Stephanie Michelle Mooneyham of Toad Road, Dowelltown is charged with domestic assault. Her bond is $2,500 and her court date is July 20. On Monday, July 3 a deputy was dispatched to a residence on Toad Road due to a domestic. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with a woman who said her daughter, Mooneyham, had punched her several times in the face because she wouldn’t give her a cigarette. The victim sustained a swollen black eye from the altercation. Mooneyham was placed under arrest.

52 year old Jonathan Paul Evans of Lakeland, Tennessee is charged with possession of a handgun while under the influence and reckless endangerment. He is under a $12,500 bond and he will be in court July 27. On Saturday, July 8 a deputy was called to Hurricane Boat Dock due to shots fired. Upon arrival, the officer spoke to the caller who stated that while fishing in a cove near Mulligan Lane and Love Colony Road several shots were fired from a gun in his direction with one round coming very close to hitting him, causing the man to fear for his life. After a further investigation, the officer went to a residence on Mulligan Lane and spoke with Evans, who came out of the home holding a model 5946 Smith & Wesson handgun. Evans, who had an odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and bloodshot watery eyes, admitted to having consumed several alcoholic beverages. The deputy also found several alcohol containers in the same area as the spent shell casings, on the deck and in the trash. Evans admitted to having fired shots toward the lake.

18 year old Dekoda Lane Vance of Dale Ridge Road, Smithville is charged with misuse of 911. His bond is $1,500 and he will make a court appearance on July 27. A deputy responded to a residence on Dale Ridge Road for a 911 call Sunday, July 9. Vance had called 911 to ask why fire trucks were going by his home. Vance told the 911 dispatchers that he was a local firefighter and requested a fire truck to stop at his residence to pick him up because the battery in his pager was dead. While speaking with him, the officer learned that Vance is not a firefighter and he confirmed it with the city and county fire departments. Vance was placed under arrest for misusing 911 by calling in a non-emergency situation thereby delaying actual emergency dispatches to personnel.

48 year old Michael James Culver of Culver Lane Sparta is charged with driving under the influence and possession with intent to sell or deliver methamphetamine. He was further cited for possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of implied consent (refusing to submit to a blood test). His bond totals $7,500 and his court date is July 27. On Sunday, July 9 a deputy responded to Lowery Road, Smithville due to a suspicious white vehicle setting in a driveway. The officer arrived and found a man, Culver, sitting in the front seat. He was passed out and the car keys were in the ignition. The deputy awoke Culver and asked him to step out of the vehicle. Culver was unsteady on his feet. His eyes were dilated and blood shot and his speech was slurred. Culver submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. He was placed under arrest. A search of his vehicle revealed 0.53 grams of methamphetamine in a green pill container. Twenty two needles were also found in the vehicle.

MAN CHARGED WITH POSTING BLASPHEMOUS NOTES AT LOCAL CHURCHES

A Smithville man who recently posted offensive and blasphemous notes on the properties of five local churches has been charged in a joint investigation by the Smithville Police and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Departments .

57 year old Laddie Bill Jerrells of Long Street, Smithville was arrested Wednesday, July 5th on twenty four counts including charges of vandalism, disorderly conduct, harassment, and desecration of honored places. His total bond is $36,000 and he will make a court appearance July 20.

Jerrells went to two churches in the City of Smithville (June 22 and July 4) and three churches in the county (May 13, June 25, and June 29) and posted offensive notes on the church properties, either on the front doors, buildings, or signs. At one of the churches in the county, Jerrells posted a note twice but on separate days.

The incidents occurred at a time when no church services were being held and no particular denominations were targeted.

Smithville Police charged Jerrells for the two cases in the city. The rest of the charges were brought by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department against Jerrells for the incidents at churches in the county.

Although WJLE has not filed charges, a similar ireverant note bearing the name of Laddie Jerrells, was recently posted on the front door of the WJLE studios.

The disorderly conduct charges basically allege that by posting the notes, Jerrells intended to cause public annoyance or alarm and created a physically abusive condition by an act that served no legitimate purpose.

On the harassment charges, Jerrells is accused of intending to communicate with the churches in a way that annoyed, offended, alarmed, or frightened.

The vandalism charges contend that by posting the notes, Jerrells tampered with church property causing substantial inconvenience to the members.

On the desecration charges, Jerrells is accused treating a place of worship with great disrespect by posting irreverent notes on the churches.

Department activity as of 07/06/2017

A man who allegedly shot his wife during an argument Wednesday night has been arrested after trying to flee from law enforcement officers during a pursuit with his 6 year old child in the vehicle with him.

51 year old Ronald Jeffery Patterson is charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment (3 counts), and evading arrest. His bond is $85,000 and his court date is July 20.

Patterson’s wife was treated for gunshot wounds to the hand and hip at a Murfreesboro Hospital.

The incident began when Patterson and his wife got into an argument while traveling in a white Isuzu Rodeo. The Patterson’s children, ages 6 and 4, were in the vehicle with them. After stopping near their home, Patterson fired shots from a .22 caliber handgun, one of which struck his wife. He then drove away with the 6 year old child. The 4 year old child was left at the home of a family member.

Patterson’s wife was taken to a Murfreesboro Hospital for treatment. The shooting was reported to Murfreesboro Police, who in turn notified DeKalb County authorities.

At approximately 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Central Dispatch in DeKalb County was notified by the Murfreesboro Police Department that a woman was in the hospital with a gunshot wound to the hand and hip. The victim told the Murfreesboro Police Department that a verbal argument ensued between her husband and her. They argued while driving down the road in DeKalb County and then pulled into a driveway on Patterson Road. Their two children, ages 6 and 4 were with them. Patterson pulled out a .22 caliber pistol and fired once into a field and then fired once toward the victim hitting her. Patterson then left with the 6 year old child. The 4 year old stayed at a family member’s house.

A detective from here went to the Murfreesboro hospital to gather evidence from the victim and to take a statement from her. Meanwhile, Sheriff Ray along with deputies and detectives from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department went to Patterson’s home on Patterson Road but discovered he was not there. While conducting interviews with other family members, they saw him drive by and then got in pursuit.

We saw a vehicle drive by that matched the description of Patterson’s vehicle. The vehicle drove past Patterson’s driveway and pulled into another driveway that leads back to his residence. Detectives tried to initiate a traffic stop by turning on their blue lights but the vehicle did not stop. He drove behind his residence to a wooded area and into three bean fields. Although Patterson tried to get us stuck in the fields to keep us from catching him, we were able to stay with him in pursuit for about eight minutes until he drove back out through a bean field near Patterson Road, where he stopped. Patterson got out of his vehicle and was taken into custody without further incident. The 6 year old child, who was with Patterson during the pursuit, was not hurt.

Department activity as of 06/26/2017

A 45 year old Smithville woman has been charged with four counts of fraudulent use of a debit/credit card. Dori Leigh Keith of Foster Road is under a $6,000 bond and her court date is July 13. Keith allegedly used another person’s Discover credit card at a Dollar General Store in DeKalb County four times in April in order to get $40 cash back on each occasion. Keith used the card twice on April 26 for $5.43 and $5.49 and got $40 back in cash each time and she used the card again twice on April 28 for $3.69 and for $7.68 and got back $40 in cash on each occasion. The case was investigated by a Sheriff’s Department Detective.

44 year old Billie Jo Morris of Smithville is charged with criminal trespass. Her bond is $1,500 and her court date is July 13. On Saturday, June 24 a deputy responded to a residence on Tabernacle Road due to a complaint of an unwanted guest. Upon arrival the officer learned from the homeowner that the unwanted guest, Morris, had already left. While the deputy was still on the scene, Morris returned to the property. After a further investigation, it was discovered that on June 1 another officer had been called to the same residence because of Morris being an unwanted guest. Morris was advised at that time to not to return to the property. The homeowner also told Morris to stay away.

Department activity as of 06/19/2017

Two inmates at the DeKalb County Jail are facing more charges after engaging in a fight at the jail with one of them also assaulting correctional officers trying to break up the scuffle. 33 year old Ryan Lee Walden of Dale Ridge Road, Dowelltown is charged with three counts of assault and one count of criminal exposure and 40 year old Andy Joe Certain of Bright Hill Road, Smithville is charged with one count of aggravated assault. Bond for Walden is $20,000. Certain’s bond is $10,000. Both will make a court appearance on July 6. On Friday, June 16 Walden and Certain got into an argument at the jail and assaulted each other. Certain grabbed Walden by the throat and tried to strangle him. He then grabbed a broom handle and hit Walden twice causing him to have red marks. Certain further placed Walden in a choke hold again. Walden struck Certain several times causing swelling, bruising and a laceration above his left eye. As correctional officers were trying to break up the fight, Walden turned and shoved one of them and grabbed the other by the finger breaking the skin and causing it to bleed. Walden, who is believed to be infected with Hepatitis C, also spat in the face of a correctional officer. Walden was subdued and escorted away. Certain was taken to the emergency room of the hospital for evaluation and treatment.

43 year old Michael Shayne Reeder of Adcock Cemetery Road, Smithville is charged with theft of property over $1,000. His bond is $5,000 and his court date is July 6. On Friday June 2 Reeder stole two firearms , including a Smith & Wesson M&P AR-15 and a .22 caliber Ruger. The total value of the weapons is $2,000. The case was investigated by a sheriff’s department detective.

47 year old David Dwight Caperton of Fox Hill Road, Baxter (DeKalb County) is charged with vandalism and aggravated criminal trespassing. His bond is $3,000 and his court date is July 6. On March 18 Caperton entered a residence on Fox Hill Road, Baxter by destroying the door locks. The total value of the door lock set is $60.00. The case was investigated by a sheriff’s department detective.

A woman found drunk and naked near McMinnville Highway last week will make a court appearance next month for public intoxication and indecent exposure. 37 year old Amanda Lynette Davis of Lee Homer Road, Smithville is under a $3,000 bond and her court date is July 6. On Thursday, June 15 a deputy responded to McMinnville Highway to do a welfare check on a woman standing near the road. Upon arrival he learned that the woman was Davis. She was standing in the front yard naked and picking grass. While speaking with her, the officer noticed that Davis was unsteady on her feet and that her speech was slurred and her pupils were watery and dilated. She submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. Davis was arrested for her safety and that of the public.

42 year old Jeremy Arron Bilbrey of Winter Drive, Dowelltown is charged with domestic assault. His bond is $1,500 and his court date is June 29. On Tuesday, June 6 a deputy was dispatched to a residence on Winter Drive due to a possible domestic assault. Upon arrival the officer spoke with a woman who said that she and her boyfriend, Bilbrey got into an argument over her leaving with the children due to his being under the influence. The woman said as she tried to leave, Bilbrey wouldn’t let her go. He grabbed her, trying to get her car keys causing injuries to her elbows, hands and knees.

26 year old Eddie Lee Smith of Old Mill Hill Road, Dowelltown is charged with driving under the influence. His bond is $1,500 and his court date is June 29. On Tuesday, June 13 a deputy observed a Honda Civic traveling at a high rate of speed on Highway 56 south. The officer stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Smith. He noticed a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the vehicle. Smith told the officer that he had just purchased a beer and had thrown it out the window before he was pulled over. His eyes were bloodshot and he was unsteady on his feet. While submitting to field sobriety tasks, Smith told the deputy that he was too drunk to complete the exercise because he had consumed more alcohol than he had previously stated.

MULTI-AGENCY DRUG BUST NETS FIVE ARRESTS

Five convicted felons were arrested Friday, June 9 at 332 New Hope Road, Alexandria after an undercover drug investigation by several local and state law enforcement agencies.

Agents seized approximately 5 grams of fentanyl, methodone, morphine, xanax, six weapons (including two assault rifles), a Chevy Silverado, a Dodge Dakota, a BMW car, cell phones, flash drives, home security system, digital scales, computer, ammo, and $973 cash.

36 year old Samer Walid Abdalla, 34 year old Courtney Paris, and 55 year old Ernest Grady Tanner, all of New Hope Road, Alexandria; 38 year old Amy Renee Ford of Chumbley Hollow, Watertown; and 39 year old Jerry Henry Goff of East Main Street, Smithville were taken into custody.

The narcotics search warrant was executed and served at the residence by members of the 13th & 15th Judicial District Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Agency, Alexandria Police Department, the Tennessee Highway Patrol Criminal Investigation Division, and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department.

Adballa and Paris were in the master bedroom where agents found approximately 5 grams of a powder substance on a nightstand that tested positive for fentanyl; prescription narcotics which were packaged for resale, guns, three sets of digital scales, a large amount of hypodermic needles, and packaging material used in the distribution of narcotics.

Abdalla, who is Hepatitis C positive, fought with agents while resisting arrest and he tried to bite them. Abdalla also suffered a bloody nose during the scuffle putting the officers at risk of being infected. He was charged with criminal exposure of Hepatitis C. “Abdalla was ordered several times to raise his hands and to place them behind his back. He failed to comply, striking at agents and forcing them to restrain him to affect the arrest. Abdalla fought with the agents and tried to take an agent’s gun by grabbing the upper barrel portion of the rifle and pulling. Abdalla tried to bite two agents who were trying to restrain him. Abdalla was slightly injured and began bleeding from the nose. He continued to struggle knowing that he has Hepatitis C placing agents at risk of being infected. Abdalla acknowledged that he has Heptatis C and he has been charged with criminal exposure twice before.

Abdalla was also charged with assaulting an officer and resisting arrest as he tried to keep agents from taking both Paris and himself into custody. Both Abdalla and Paris were each charged with possession with intent to sell or deliver a schedule II drug (fentanyl) and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Agents found a 9 millimeter pistol inside Paris’ pocketbook within reach of both Paris and Abdalla.

Bond for Abdalla is $500,000. Paris’ bond is $150,000

Abdalla has numerous felonies on his record including two counts of possession of cocaine on May 25, 2004, criminal simulation on September 10, 2008, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony on May 7, 2012.

Paris was convicted for possession of a schedule II drug on November 16, 2011 and she has other felony convictions.

Tanner is charged with unlawful possession of a weapon. His bond is $75,000. Tanner was found in another bedroom of the home along with a Ruger mini-14 rifle, a DPMS-AR 15 rifle, a Springfield Armory .45 caliber 1911 semi-automatic pistol, and approximately 150 plus rounds of ammunition of various calibers. On October 7, 2005 Tanner was convicted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) for possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a misdemeanor domestic assault. Tanner was sentenced to 10 months in the U.S. penitentiary in McCreary, Kentucky.

Ford and Goff were in a guest bedroom of the home where agents recovered from a closet a Revelation. 22 caliber rifle with a bullet in the magazine but not chambered. Narcotics were discovered in a duffle bag that also held Goff’s driver license.

Both Ford and Goff were charged with unlawful possession of a weapon. Goff was further charged with possession of a schedule II drug with intent to sell or deliver.

The following day, Ford was charged with bringing contraband into a penal institution after drugs were found on her during a strip search. Ford was being dressed out for housing at the jail and during a strip search by a female correctional officer, a small cellophane baggie with a clear crystal substance was found in her body cavity. It field tested positive for meth.

Bond for Ford totals $55,000. Goff’s bond is $100,000.

Ford is a convicted felon. She was sentenced to 8 years in the Tennessee Department of Corrections for initiation of methamphetamine in 2012.

Goff pled guilty to manufacturing meth on November 7, 2012

All five defendants will make a court appearance on these new charges June 29.