Monday, December 7, 2009

Alcorn Narcotics finds working meth lab in county

Officers with the Alcorn County Narcotics Unit recently found a working methamphetamine lab in Alcorn County while making a stop at a residence due to a warrant in another county.
According to a report made by Narcotics Investigator Darrell Hopkins, of the Alcorn County Narcotics Unit, officers with the Alcorn County Narcotics Unit were making a stop at 136 County Road 714, because of information they had received that the resident of the trailer, identified as David Ladrone Willis, 48, had a warrant for failing to appear in Tishomingo County.
The report said that when officers approached the residence, Willis began to walk out and meet the officers, but then turned and fled back into the home and the officers followed. Inside the residence, Willis reportedly grabbed a two liter bottle and ran to the back of the trailer and opened the door and threw the bottle out—almost hitting officers at the back of the residence.
Willis was detained, said Hopkins, along with two other subject in the home who have been identified as Patti Jean Kirby, 51, of Apartment 8 - Bryant Street, Adamsville, Tenn.; and James Earl Derrick, of 55 County Road 755, Walnut. All the subjects were taken out of the residence. Officers reportedly cleared the home for safety, after they found a working methamphetamine lab in the living room and kitchen. Hopkins said the house was full of smoke and safety for everyone was the main priority. After clearing the home, officers reportedly called the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and opened all the trailer’s doors.
After Willis signed a consent to search, more items were found in the house that are used to smoke meth and marijuana. Alcorn County Deputies Health Thomas and Tony Davis came to the scene and assisted and helped transport the three subjects to jail. Corinth Police Officer Spence Spencer also assisted in the search.
“We would like to thank Chief David Lancaster and his department for the tremendous help which they give to the Alcorn Narcotics Unit because there are many times with our deputies are tied up on calls and the Corinth Police has always responded when we needed them,” said Hopkins.
Willis, Kirby and Derrick were all charged with felony possession of a controlled substance and possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture a controlled substance. Their bond was set by Justice Court Judge Steve Little as $15,000 each.
In another, unrelated meth bust, Alcorn County Narcotics officers–with the help of the Prentiss County Narcotics Unit— arrested Jackie Dale Arnold, 51, and Matthew Glen Arnold, 25, both of 1 County Road 1123, Booneville, and charged them both with conspiracy to manufacture a controlled substance, according to a report from Narcotics Investigator Darrell Hopkins of the Alcorn County Narcotics Unit. Events leading to the arrests began Thursday with the Alcorn County Narcotics Unit stopped a black Jeep traveling North on U.S. Highway 45. The vehicle reportedly had a tag that had been previously given to the unit as a vehicle buying items to manufacture methamphetamine.
The Jeep was driven by Jackie Arnold, with Matthew Arnold being a passenger, the report said. Arnold was stopped for speeding, Hopkins said, and officers explained the reason for the stop and officers also explained that they had received information that Jackie and Matthew Arnold were buying items to make meth. Officers asked for, and received, permission to search the Jeep. The report said there were several items found that linked both the passenger and the driver with purchasing items for meth manufacture as well as items actually used in the making of meth.
Officers contacted Prentiss County Narcotics officers and discovered that Jackie Arnold had been charged within the last week with possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture a controlled substance in Prentiss County. Both were taken to the Alcorn County Sheriff’s Department and charged. Justice Court Judge Steve Little set both for each man at $10,000.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Two charged with disposing of corpse

Two suspects have been charged with disposing of a corpse as authorities shift their focus north of the state line in the case of a Ramer, Tenn. woman whose body was found floating in the Tuscumbia River. Aaron Hastings of Corinth and Amanda Ervin Wilbanks of Ramer were charged by Alcorn County authorities with the disposal of the body of 50-year-old Donna Hill of Ramer, Tenn.
Hill's body was discovered by a deer hunter floating in the Tuscumbia River approximately three miles north of the Tuscumbia Wildlife Management Area boat ramp off of County Road 750 on Sunday, Oct. 25. Alcorn County Sheriff's Department Investigator Jerry Rogers said he expects the disposal of a corpse charge to be the only charges faced by the pair in Alcorn County in relation to the case. He said evidence points to Hill having been killed elsewhere before being dumped in the river in Alcorn County.
"There's nothing to lead us to believe that the murder took place in Alcorn County," said Rogers.
He said the remainder of the probe into Hill's death is being handled by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. TBI Agent in Charge in Jackson, Tenn. John Mehr was out of his office Monday afternoon and could not be reached for comment.
Hastings was arrested by Corinth police shortly after the discovery of Hill's body on an unrelated burglary charge and is being held in the Corinth City Jail.
Wilbanks was arrested by the McNairy County Sheriff's Department and charged with theft over $10,000. She is accused of being in possession of Hill's rental car which was reported as missing after her body was discovered. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the Alcorn County Sheriff's Department at 662-286-5521, the McNairy County Sheriff's Department at 731-645-1000 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI FIND.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Three arrested on meth charges

Close surveillance netted the arrests of three subjects in a stolen vehicle on meth charges Monday by the Alcorn Narcotics Unit.
According to a report from the Alcorn County Sheriff’s Office, officers arrested Donald Wayne Davidson Jr., 18, of 1083 North Prather Street in Michie, Tenn.; Tommy Lyne Woods, 32, of Federal Drive in Shiloh, Tenn.; and Tammy Lynette Rayney, 19, of 1140 Bark Drive, in Shiloh, Tenn., Monday and charged them with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.
Events leading the arrest reportedly began when officers with the Alcorn Narcotics Unit observed the three subjects, Davidson, Woods and Rayney, traveling to several different Corinth stores to purchase the same item — an item known to be used in the process of making methamphetamine.
The driver, who was identified in the report as Davidson, made several stops and turned at several businesses around U.S. Highway 72 and Harper Road, as an apparent attempt to throw off anyone who could be following.
Narcotics Investigator Darrell Hopkins said Davidson made abrupt stops, turns and lane changes as an attempt to lose anyone who could be following them.
Several officers reportedly followed the suspects from a distance and, after watching the subjects purchase the items and drive north on Shiloh Road, officers asked K/9 Officer Scott Brown and Deputy Steve Odle to stop the car.
After the car was stopped and approached by law enforcement, Davidson reportedly informed officers that he did not have a driver’s license. Law enforcement gained consent to search the vehicle. The search turned up boxes of pseudoephedrine from different stores.
After speaking to the occupants, it was determined the purpose of the trip to Corinth was to buy items for other individuals in Tennessee to cook methamphetamine, according to Hopkins.
All three were arrested and charged, it was later discovered that Woods was an escaped inmate from Hinds County, who was on probation on a possession of cocaine charge.
Bond was set at $10,000 each by Justice Court Judge Steve Little.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Tenn. couple arrested on drug charges

Suspicious purchases were among the factors that assisted the Alcorn County Sheriff’s Office in the arrest of a Tennessee man and woman on drug charges Thursday evening.
Deputies with the Alcorn County Narcotics Unit arrested Christopher Perry Hawkins, 40, and Angela Ann Marcum, 42, both of 3285 Muddy Ridge Road, in Pocahontas, Tenn. Both suspects were charged with conspiracy to manufacture a controlled substance. Hawkins was additionally charged with felony possession of a controlled substance, according to a report from the Alcorn County Sheriff’s Office.
Events leading to the arrests began around 5:30 p.m. Thursday evening when the Alcorn County Narcotics Unit reportedly received information that the two aforementioned subjects where purchasing items known to be used in the manufacture of methamphetamine from a local business. Law enforcement arrived and observed the two suspects as they went into another store and purchased more items before they left. Officers followed the suspects as they traveled west on U.S. Highway 72, in a 1991 Volvo. The driver, who has been identified Hawkins, according to the report, was driving erratically — moving from one lane to the other and not signaling — and turned into a store, causing traffic to slam on brakes to keep from hitting the car.
The suspects were stopped by law enforcement and found that Hawkins had reportedly been drinking and also had a revoked license. After officers asked Hawkins to step out, Deputy Danny Holloway found a blue canister with two bags of meth inside. The items to be used for meth production were reportedly taken from the car, where they had been hidden in the glove box.
Both subjects were arrested and charged by Alcorn Narcotics Investigator Darrell Hopkins and taken to the Alcorn County Jail. Bond was set by Justice Court Judge Jimmy McGee. Hawkins’s bond was set at $30,000, reportedly due to the fact that he had a lengthy criminal history dealing with deadly weapons, drug possession and other felonies. Marcum’s Bond was set at $5,000.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Authorities nab Corinth man on felony drug charge

A cooperative effort on the part of the Farmington Police Department and the Alcorn County Narcotics Unit led to the arrest of a Corinth man on felony drug charges Friday night.
Law enforcement officials arrested Marcus Antonio McGaha, 20, of 202 Wick Street, in Corinth, and charged him with felony possesion of a controlled substance with intent to sell after McGaha, along with three other individuals, were stopped on Farmington Road and County Road 217 by Farmington Police Officer Keith Little, according to a report from the Alcorn County Sheriff’s Office. The stop was intiated around 8:30-9:00 p.m. Friday night because of a traffic violation.
After the traffic stop was made, McGaha reportedly dropped a clear bag containing cocaine on the ground by the passenger door when he exited the vehicle. At that time, Deputy Danny Holloway and Officer Little ordered the four individuals to get down on the ground, and they were all handcuffed.
Alcorn County Narcotics Investigator Darrell Hopkins and the other officers spoke to all of the car’s occupants before releasing them and arresting McGaha.
McGaha was transported and charged. Bond has not been set and a hold has been placed on the subject by the Mississippi Department of Corrections due to him being on probation.
Alcorn County Sheriff Charles Rinhart said he appreciates the working relationship between the Farmington Police Department and Alcorn County Sheriff’s Office and he wanted to thank Farmington Police Chief Tony Holmes and his officers.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Corinth man arrested one week after release from prison

A Corinth man was arrested Monday on felony drug charges just one week after being released from prison.
The Alcorn County Narcotics Unit arrested Benny Ray Ross, 34, of 18 CR 378, Corinth, Monday, and charged him with felony possession of a controlled substance, according to a report from the Alcorn County Sheriff’s Office.
Events leading up to the arrest reportedly began when officers with the Alcorn County Narcotics Unit received information that Ross was purchasing pills to manufacture methamphetamine.
Law enforcement followed Ross around to stores and observed him purchasing pills and later followed him out of town on South Harper Roads, just in the county, and pulled him over.
Narcotics Investigator Darrell Hopkins spoke to Ross and reportedly explained why Ross had been stopped. Ross was soon searched by Hopkins and a clear bag containing methamphetamine was found in Ross’s pocket.
Ross was arrested and charged. He is currently being held at Alcorn County Jail, with a hold for the Mississippi Department of Corrections placed on him, due to the fact that he had just gotten out of prison a week prior. He had reportedly been in prison on drug charges.
Hopkins said Justice Court Judge Steve Little is looking into Ross’s bond, due to a charge of possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture methamphetamine, several months previously.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Seven arrested in meth conspiracies

Seven suspects have been arrested after Alcorn County authorities broke up two separate groups accused of conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine.
Darrell Hopkins with the Alcorn County Sheriff's Department Narcotics Unit said he and fellow officer Danny Holloway observed a white Ford Ranger stopping at several stores and its occupants allegedly entering and purchasing pseudoephedrine pills on Friday. The pills are used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine.
They called for backup and deputies Mackie Sexton and Terry Rider stopped the truck on U.S. Highway 72 near Strickland after also observing it driving erratically.
Hopkins said the driver of the vehicle, Arthur Ray Reeves, 46, of 365 Ackies Lane, Clifton, Tenn., appeared to be under the influence of methamphetamine and told officers he had been using the drug.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of methamphetamine residue, needles used to inject the drug, boxes of pseudoephedrine pills and other items.
Reeves and three other occupants of the vehicle, Brittney Rene Price, 18, of 530 Hickory Street, Savannah, Tenn., Sonia Gail Arnold, 38, of 530 Hickory Street, Savannah and Tracy Lane Franks, 39, of 895 Maddox Loop, Savannah, were all charged with conspiracy to manufacture a controlled substance. Bond was set for each at $10,000.
In a separate, unrelated case, officers with the unit received a tip last Wednesday that a white Pontiac with a Tennessee license plate was going to several businesses and the occupants were purchasing items used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Hopkins said officers with the narcotics unit spotted the vehicle and made a traffic stop. After receiving consent from the driver to search the vehicle, several items used to make the drug were allegedly discovered. Following further interviews and investigation, the occupants of the car were arrested. The driver, David Morgan, 36, of 2458 Joe Dillon Road in Michie, Tenn., and passengers Angela Morgan, 29, of the same address and Daryl Hopper, 23, of 645 Carol Road of Michie were each charged with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. Bond was set at $10,000 each.
In another separate, unrelated case, an inmate in the Alcorn County Jail and his alleged accomplice have been charged with bringing marijuana into the jail.
Hopkins said the narcotics unit received a tip that someone was going to attempt to bring the drug into the jail. Officers Hopkins, Holloway and Steve Odle conducted surveillance outside the building Friday night and witnessed a suspect later identified as Alisha Hope Grimes, 28, of 104 Noel Street, Corinth, pull up to the south side of the building a throw a small bag of marijuana over the fence.
They later observed an inmate trusty, Wilbur Lee Jackson, 43, 805 Crater Street, Holly Springs, retrieve the bag. Both were charged with transferring a controlled substance into the jail. Bond was set for each at $5,000.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Deputies study up on hazardous materials

Three officials with the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office now have more expertise in dealing with the hazardous materials involved with handling a meth lab.
Alcorn County Narcotics Investigator Reggie Anderson, along with Deputy Lucas Wooten and Deputy Smith, completed a 52-hour week of training at the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy in Meridian - the second of a two-week training course. The first week was a 40-hour week held last December and included education about methamphetamine and Clandestine Lab Investigations..
The second week of class, which the officers just completed last Friday, June 12, included Clandestine Lab, Weapons of Mass Destruction and Site Safety Certification. As part of the training, the officers received levels A, B, C and D certification on Hazardous Materials - conducted by U.S. Environmental Services.
Investigator Anderson said other topics covered in the class included Confined Space Training, extensive evidence handling and sampling and Drug Endangered Children Specialized Training. He noted that he, and the other two officers, also received a full briefing on the United States Clandestine Lab problem by the National Director of National Methamphetamine and Pharmaceuticals Initiative.
Alcorn County Sheriff Charles Rinehart expressed his support of the class and explained why he especially wanted his officers to take the class at RCTA in Meridian.
"I wanted the best training for the deputies and that is why I chose the class at RCTA, because it is the only one that will certify at level A. Most classes just certify at level B, C and D," said Rinehart.
Anderson had specific reasons of his own for what he took away from the class and what he found most useful.
"I think the training will help a great deal when dealing with meth labs in Alcorn County. Also, the training received on the Drug Endangered Children was great because the kids are where our future lies. We, as law enforcement, are seeing more and more children at the meth labs that we are faced with right here at home, and if we can make better living conditions for kids, then we can go home and say it was Oa job well done,'" said Anderson.
Wooten and Smith also felt the training strongly enhanced their own ability to do their jobs.
"The site safety training was good because we now know safer ways to deal with meth labs," said Wooten.
Smith said: "The evidence handling training was very interesting due to the equipment that the school provided."
The training consisted of five days, with four days in full protective suits level A, B and C and one full day of a scenario of major meth lab operation and weapons of mass destruction. Anderson noted that each student received some equipment - APR Respirators, combination cartridges, over boots and hand and body protection.
With three officers certified to disassemble a meth lab, Anderson pointed out that it will save some time. However, Anderson noted that in the past the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics had been extremely supportive to help them, a fact for which he said he is very grateful. He said the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office will continue to request their assistance and support.
In the interest of public education, Rinehart said the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office would be able to provide a methamphetamine awareness presentation to any church group or social organization that might be interested. Those would like to schedule a presentation, may call Investigator Reggie Anderson at (662) 286-5521.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Lottery scam perpetuated by local involvement

After receiving scam complaints nearly every day, an Alcorn County Investigator recently noted that scams will not stop unless people stop responding to scammers.
A recent statement from Alcorn County Investigator Jerry Rogers reported that the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office receives calls nearly every day from people who have had dealings with scammers. One of the more prevalent scams right now is the lottery scam, he said.
Around the end of last month, an official news release from Commissioner Brandon Presley, of the Mississippi Public Service Commission, explained that the lottery scam begins with a phone call to convince individuals they have won a large amount of money. Soon, the excited citizen learns the detail that could lead to their ruin - that they need to send a certain dollar amount for "insurance and processing fees" in order to collect the winnings.
Rogers stressed that nothing is free and people need to be aware of what is going on.
"Definitely do not cash any checks you get in the mail. Do some investigation ... take the check to your local bank and see if it's legitimate," said Rogers. "These people appear to be really going more for senior citizens who are have only Social Security or retirement that they are living on."
Presley's report confirmed this fact. He said that people are getting into personal conversations with the scammers, who appear very friendly, and he heavily stressed that citizens should not send these companies any money or give them any personal information.
Most of the funds that are sent out because of these scams go out of the country - much has been traced to Jamaica, where the money backs Jamaican gangs, Rogers noted. This was confirmed by Presley's report as well as by an Associated Press story by Mike Melia, which stated that Americans sent more than $30 million last year to claim winnings in a Jamaican lottery.
"The trouble is," Melia wrote, "there is no such contest."
Many citizens who fall for the scams, lose thousands of dollars, savings and more, and then fall victim to even more because they think they can make the money back. An example of this is the fact that one local woman, whom Rogers did not name, had lost all she had to scammers. So much money, that when scammers contacted her again, she informed them she had no more money and they began to send her packages of cash to send to other addresses throughout the country.
"Most of the addresses she sent the money to were bogus," said Rogers. "Yet, someone still managed to get the money." Rogers went on to say that FedEx has an investigator looking into who is intercepting the money as it appears to never reach the false address.
Locally, the lottery scam is not the only scam used to try to trick people out of their money. Last winter, The Daily Corinthian reported two separate cases of people who were using classified ad to sell puppies and they were contacted by scammers. In both cases - one being a Rienzi man and the other being a woman who is a Hurricane Creek area resident - both people were able to catch on to the scam before they lost any money and both reported the incidents to the authorities.
Rogers said that, in the end, raising awareness could very well be the only answer to beating the scammers. He urged people to spread the word about the problem in an effort to thwart any more people being taken in.
"This is huge and most of it is outside our jurisdiction," said Rogers. "The only way to stop it is for people to quit falling for it."

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Rienzi man arrested for burglary

A Rienzi man has been arrested on burglary charges after an Alcorn County Sheriff's Office investigation led law enforcement to his door.
Law enforcement officials arrested John Perry, 37, of 49 South Front Street, in Rienzi, and charged him with burglary of a dwelling in connection with a burglary that took place at 43 Main Street, in Rienzi, last week, according to a report for the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office.
Events leading to the investigation, and subsequent arrest, began when the owner of the Main Street home called after reportedly leaving the residence around noon that day and returning home around 5 p.m. to find that "someone had kicked the front door in." Cash and some prescription pills were the only items taken, according to the report.
Alcorn County Investigator Jerry Rogers said the process of the investigation led to Perry as a suspect and the arrest was made after law enforcement found evidence from the burglarized home at Perry's residence.
Perry was arrested has been released on bond.
In another, unrelated case, Alcorn County Sheriff Deputies arrested Phillip Hoyle, 26, of 924 Main Street, in Corinth, and charged him with attempted robbery and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to a report from the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office.
The incident that led to the arrested reportedly began after Jean Haynie, of Alcorn County, had purchased some appliances. Hoyle reportedly had come to her home to work on the appliances and a verbal altercation occurred between Hoyle and Haynie at some point.
The report said Hoyle left, went out to his truck and came back with a handgun which he allegedly stuck in Haynie's side and ordered her to him all the money she had in her purse. There were two other individuals at Haynie's home and when they approached Hoyle and Haynie, Hoyle reportedly said he was kidding and left the scene.
Hoyle is currently being held on a $10,000 bond with an extra hold from the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Unit makes meth arrests

Two more individuals have recently been arrested on felony drug charges as area narcotics investigators continue their crack down on methamphetamine manufacturing.
Alcorn County Narcotics officials recently arrested David Lee Moore, 27, of Melvin Quals Road, in Michie, Tenn.; and Timothy Joe Smith, 44, of #1 Briarwood Subdivision, in Corinth, and charged them with possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture a controlled substance and felony possession of a controlled substance, according to a report from the Alcorn County Narcotics Unit. The arrests came after the discovery of precursors for meth manufacture, as well as two bags of what is believed to be methamphetamine.
The arrests reportedly came after the Alcorn County Narcotics Unit obtained information that the aforementioned suspects had attempted to purchase items -- known for use in making methamphetamine -- at a store on Harper Road.
Moore and Smith were traveling in a 1997 gray Nissan truck and officers spotted them leaving, traveling north on Harper Road.According to the report, officers discovered that Moore had warrants with the Corinth Police Department for unpaid traffic violations and asked for Deputy Mike Billingsley and K-9 Officer Scott Brown to stop the truck, which was "driving at a high rate of speed" north on Shiloh Road.
After being stopped, and asked to step out of the vehicle, officers spoke to the driver, Moore, and Smith and obtained consent to check the truck. Alcorn County Narcotics Investigator Darrell Hopkins said both lithium and pseudoephedrine pills were found during a search of the truck. After speaking to both suspects, the report said it was determined that the items were going to be used to manufacture methamphetamine.
Moore and Smith were transported to the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office, and the truck was seized. Later, at the Sheriff's Office, a continued search turned up two bags of a substance, which field tested positive for meth, according to Hopkins. The bags were discovered in the truck's headliner on the driver's side.
Bond was set at $10,000 for both men by Justice Court Judge Jimmy McGee.
"It is good to know that we, in Alcorn County, have two Justice Court Judges -- Judge Steve Little and Judge Jimmy McGee -- who also have a low tolerance for drugs. It makes working with the Justice Court Judges, and all Justice Court employees, a pleasure," said Hopkins. "They, like all court clerks, get a lot of ridicule just for doing a job that most cannot do."

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Meth lab discovered; 3 cuffed and stuffed

Local law enforcement discovered a meth lab -- and arrested three individuals on drug related charges -- at a Mitchell Street residence Monday night.
Around 11:30 p.m. Monday night, the Alcorn County Narcotics Unit, assisted by the Corinth Police Department, arrested Jessica Hope Cheatwood, 24; Anthony Wayne Stanley, 33; and Theresa Ann Kovac, 41; all of Corinth, and charged all three with possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture a controlled substance, according to a report from the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office.
Events leading to the arrests reportedly began when Alcorn County Narcotics went to a Corinth residence, located at 1104 B Mitchell Street, after having received several complaints about the residence that led law enforcement to suspect drug activity.
"We had reports of strange odors, a lot of 'in and out' traffic and relatives worried about family members," said Alcorn County Narcotics Investigator Darrell Hopkins.
Upon arriving at the residence, Hopkins spoke to Cheatwood. During the conversation, officers reported they detected several indications that drugs were in the residence and they asked for -- and received -- a consent to search.
"We could smell an odd odor coming out of the door of the residence and there was paraphernalia in the room and the occupant also admitted to having drug paraphernalia," said Hopkins.
When officers entered the apartment, they found Kovac. Two children were also found in the residence. During the search, officers reportedly found a lab and drug paraphernalia throughout the residence. Corinth Police Lt. Ben Gann and Sgt. Jerry Mayhall assisted Alcorn County Narcotics with the arrest.
Previous to the search, officers had reportedly seen Cheatwood's husband, Stanley, leave and enter another residence next door and found him.
The Department of Human Services was contacted to take the children to the hospital for evaluation. Hopkins noted that contacting DHS was standard policy in such a case.
"For the children's safety, they need to make sure that the children don't have any meth, or any of the chemicals, in their system and make sure their lungs are okay," said Hopkins.
The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics arrived on the scene and took samples to send to the crime lab. Hopkins praised all agencies for working together, including Corinth Housing Authority.
Justice Court Steve Little set bond for each of the suspects at $5,000 each.
In an unrelated case, Alcorn County Narcotics arrested a Savannah, Tenn., couple several days ago, after reportedly observing them purchase several items -- from different locations -- that could be used to make methamphetamine.
According to the Alcorn County Sheriff's report, law enforcement stoppedthe couple's vehicle on North Shiloh Road and gained a consent to search. During the search, officers found items used to make methamphetamine.
The driver and his wife, identified as Randal Clay Rich, 38; and Robin Rena Rich, 35, both of Pooh Hollow Lane, in Savannah, Tenn., were both charged with possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture a controlled substance. Justice Court Judge Steve Little set bond for each at $5,000.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Joint investigation leads to drug arrest

Area law enforcement officials conducted surveillance that ended with the weekend arrest of a Corinth man on drug charges.
According to a report from the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office, Alcorn County Sheriff Deputies arrested Timothy Lee Frederick, 26, of Corinth, and charged him with possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture a controlled substance after discovering the items in the arrestee's automobile Saturday night. Justice Court Judge Steve Little set Frederick's bond at $5,000.
Events leading to the arrest reportedly began around 9 p.m. Saturday night, when Alcorn County narcotics investigators and deputies and Tippah County narcotics and criminal investigators conducted surveillance based on a report there were individuals purchasing precursors to make methamphetamine in the Alcorn and Tippah County areas.
Officers reportedly observed two of the people they had been watching, drive up behind a local business. Officers followed and pulled up to investigate and discovered the precursor items in the automobile that led to Frederick's arrest. Frederick was transported to the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Charles Rinehart said, on behalf of himself and Narcotics Officers Darrell Hopkins and Reggie Anderson, "I'd like to thank the Alcorn County Deputies and the Tippah County Sheriff, and his narcotics and criminal investigators, for helping with this investigation. It is still ongoing and more arrests are expected."
Officers involved with the investigation were deputies Mackie Sexton, Shane Crowe, K-9 Officer Scott Brown, Danny Holloway, Dennis Smith and Steve Odle, along with Tippah County Narcotics Officer Tommy Garrett and Criminal Investigator Jason Willis.
Alcorn County Narcotics Investigator Reggie Anderson said it he always appreciates the help of the Corinth Police Department and the Alcorn County Deputies.
"Without them working behind the scenes, we narcotics officers would be lost on a lot of cases worked," said Anderson. "These guys do not get enough recognition for their hard work. We get a lot of credit that belongs to everyone from the undercover officer, to officers and deputies, to the prosecuting attorneys, to district attorneys, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, outside agencies and to the public -- who should be proud of themselves for their numerous calls and concerns."

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Pursuit of meth lab suspect ends with arrest

One man is now in custody on methamphetamine and felony fleeing charges after leading law enforcement officials on a chase to avoid being pulled over.
According to a report from the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office, the individual charged has been identified as Jerry Rencher, 45, of Corinth, who was charged Monday with possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture methamphetamine and felony fleeing.
Events that led to the charges began on Friday when Alcorn County Narcotics Investigators received information alleging that Rencher was attempting to purchase items to manufacture methamphetamine. Officers followed Rencher to another store where he reportedly bought more items.
A short time later, after leaving the store, Alcorn County deputies, along with the Mississippi Highway Patrol, attempted to stop Rencher's vehicle as he turned onto a county road in the Theo community. It was during that attempted stop, that Rencher reportedly fled from officers.
During the course of the pursuit, deputies allegedly observed several items being thrown from Rencher's vehicle. Those items were retrieved from the side of the road by law enforcement officials, and identified as items used in manufacturing methamphetamine, according to officials. In the meantime, Rencher stopped and exited his vehicle and reportedly ran into the woods.
Officers continued to search for Rencher Saturday and Sunday. Rencher turned himself in Monday morning at the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office where Officer Darrell Hopkins, along with Alcorn Narcotics, interviewed Rencher and later charged him.
Bond had not been set at the time of the report. Rencher is being held due to being on Federal probation and the Mississippi Department of Corrections has been notified, according to the report.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Six people charged with drug crimes

Over the course of a few days, the Alcorn County Sheriff's Department booked several suspects on drug-related charges.
In three separate incidents, a total of six people were charged.
The first incident occurred on March 3 when deputies executed a search warrant at a home on CR 757 in the Tuscumbia Community.
According to law enforcement officials, the warrant led to the arrest of three people. Rodney Wayne Downs, 40, and Prentiss "Buddy" Turner, 43, were each charged with possession of two or more precursors with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine as well as possession of methamphetamine.
Another suspect, Lisa Wilson Downs, 40, was charged with possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture methamphetamine.
ACSD Drug Investigator Reggie Anderson said the arrests came after a six-month investigation by the department and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
"After surveillance of the residence and conducting surveillance on pseudoephedrine logs a search warrant was obtained," Anderson said. Officials seized all the chemicals and three vehicles.
Investigators expressed gratitude to those who assisted in the investigation.
"This would not have been possible without the help of local drug stores who provided information through the pseudoephedrine list that is now required," said Investigator Darrell Hopkins.
Officials also said they called the Department of Human Services due to the presence of a child in the home.
"(This department) takes it very seriously when children are around this type of behavior. If children are present, that is a felony charge as well for child endangerment," Anderson said.
The ACSD was assisted in the investigation by the Mississippi Department of Narcotics, which helped with chemical cleanup. Helping in the execution of the search of the residence was all deputies within the department as well as the Mississippi Department of Narcotics and the Farmington Police Department.
The second of three drug incidents that led to arrests happened on Thursday, March 5, after a traffic stop.
K9 Officer Scott Brown pulled over a truck with Texas plates at Highway 45 and Henson Road. After speaking with the driver and passenger he became suspicious and asked to search the vehicle. With the occupants' consent, Brown searched the vehicle and allegedly found 128 hydrocodone and three other pills hidden in small bags that were sandwiched between two pieces of bread and then bagged again within a typical sandwich bag. Anderson and Hopkins were called to the scene where they spoke to the suspects, which led to a follow-up search of the passengers' residence where several more pills of various types were found, according to officials. The driver, Rosendo Rosas Jr., 30, of Booneville, and the passenger, Jose Angel Martinez Capetillo, 32, of Corinth, were each charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
Along with the drugs, about $300 in cash was seized.
The sheriff's department was assisted in the incident by the Mississippi Highway Patrol and the Mississippi Department of Transportation. Later on Thursday, a second traffic stop by Brown led to another drug arrest.
After pulling over a driver for careless driving on N. Shiloh Road, Brown once again became suspicious after conversing with the driver. Again, officials said he was given consent to search the vehicle and allegedly found three grams of cocaine.
The incident resulted in the arrest of Brandy Williams, 35, of Corinth, for possession of a controlled substance.
The department was assisted in the incident by the Mississippi Department of Narcotics.
Anderson said his department appreciated the help it received from others in the arrests.
"We thank all of those who call us with information about drugs and those agencies that provided support," he said.
Anderson said anyone with information, or who would like to know what to look for, should call him at (662) 286-5521.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Man charged after reporting stolen vehicle

The Alcorn County Sheriff's Department reported recent arrests for insurance fraud and grand larceny.
Charged with insurance fraud are William McClain, 35, of CR 120, Walnut; Zane Crowell, 43, of Whippoorwill Lane, Michigan City; and Billy Smith, 33, of CR 220, Corinth. The three were released after posting bond.
The Tippah County Sheriff's Department received information about the location where a stolen vehicle had been stored. In a raid on Feb. 17, officers found parts of the vehicle at a residence.
The stolen truck, a 2007 Dodge pickup, was found by deer hunters on Thanksgiving Day in the woods in Tippah County. The vehicle was reported stolen from Alcorn County in October.
The arrests followed a lengthy investigation. Investigator Jerry Rogers is in charge of the case.
In a separate case, Alcorn Investigator Doug Mullins received information that a subject had a large amount of stolen camouflage clothing that he was trying to sell.
Michael Freeman Taylor, 43, of Highway 72 East, Corinth, was charged with grand larceny.
Approximately 104 items were purchased from Taylor for $100, and he was immediately arrested.
Valued at $1,530, the clothes were taken from Baymont, Inc., on U.S. Highway 72 East. Alcorn Investigator Thomas Hopkins and Corinth Detective Pete Smith assisted with the investigation.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Suspects rounded up in drug cases

More than 20 people were arrested Thursday as law enforcement agencies throughout the county joined forces to serve arrest warrants in a number of drug-related cases.
Alcorn County Sheriff's Department Investigator Reggie Anderson said officers with his department, the Corinth Police Department, Farmington Police Department and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, conducted the round up in which warrants were served on over 20 people with more arrests expected.
Most of the warrants were on charges of selling controlled substances including marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine and prescription drugs.
Sheriff Charles Rinehart said he is thankful for the cooperation among the agencies in fighting the drug problem.
"It is good when all the local agencies work together to fight the war on drugs," said Rinehart.
He also praised the job being done by the county's narcotics investigators.
Corinth Police Chief David Lancaster said he is thankful for the good working relationship his agency has with the county's other law enforcement agencies. He said it's always a positive thing when authorities can share information and work with each other to make the community safer.
"It's good that we can work together on the drug problem in Corinth and Alcorn County," said the police chief.
Farmington Police Chief Tony Holmes also praised the across the board effort by law enforcement in the round up.
"It is great to know that all departments are working together to get drugs off the street and especially out of the hands of children," said Holmes.

Monday, February 16, 2009

After tips, four face meth charges

Acting on tips from the public, the Alcorn County Sheriff's Department has arrested four individuals on charges related to the production of methamphetamine in two separate cases.
Corinth and Alcorn narcotics received information that Michael Bass, 36, of 446A Highway 72 West, Corinth, was cooking methamphetamine at his residence, according to Narcotics Investigator Darrell Hopkins.
After officers conducted surveillance and reviewed pseudoephedrine purchase logs at stores, they went to the residence and found no one home. As they were leaving, a couple of individuals arrived at the residence.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a meth lab inside, and a search of the residence uncovered several more items used to cook methamphetamine, according to Hopkins. The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics was called in to take samples.
Bass has been charged with possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture methamphetamine.
Facing the same charges are Kelly Crow, 26, also of 446A Highway 72 West, and Kenneth Wicks, 38, of 305 South Fulton Drive, Corinth.
Bond had not been set Friday afternoon.
In a separate case, Martha Loveless, 40, of 199 CR 750, Corinth, was charged with possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture a controlled substance. Bond was set at $10,000.
On Feb. 6, officers with the Alcorn Narcotics Unit received information that Loveless had been involved in manufacturing methamphetamine. After an investigation in conjunction with Corinth Narcotics, officers searched the residence and found several items used in the manufacture of methamphetamine and evidence that meth had been cooked in the house, said Hopkins.
"I appreciate information from the public," said Sheriff Charles Rinehart. "All information will be kept confidential."

Friday, February 6, 2009

Meth arrest made in Kendrick area

After a period of surveillance, and information from the Tishomingo County Sheriff's Department, the Alcorn County Sheriff's Department was able to make a meth arrest in the Kendrick community Tuesday.

According to a report from the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office, Alcorn County law enforcement officials utilized a search warrant to conduct a search of the residence of Kenneth Larry "Kit" Bingham, 45, of the Kendrick community.
During the search, the report said, law enforcement officials found all the precursors used in the methamphetamine manufacturing process. Bingham was charged with possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture methamphetamine.

Along with the precursors, officials seized two handguns (which they say will enhance the charge), a 1978 1/2 Low Rider Harley Davidson, a 1995 Ford Explorer, a 1996 Lincoln Town Car, four police scanners, and a set of digital scales used to weigh illegal substances, according to the report.

Alcorn County Narcotics Investigators reported that they "had been receiving information on Bingham for some time now." Information, they said in the report, had also come in from the Tishomingo County Sheriff Department. The combined information was enough to obtain the search warrant signed by Justice Court Judge Steve Little.

Currently, Bingham is in custody at the Tishomingo County Jail and faces drug charges once he bonds from Tishomingo Jail, said officials, then he will be transported to Alcorn County to make bond on the meth charge.
Officers noted that the suspect will likely face other charges, as they report that there were some stolen items also found at the residence such as an enclosed trailer reportedly stolen out of Lee County. Investigator Doug Mullins is following up on the stolen property.

"More subjects are to be arrested," said Anderson.

Alcorn County Sheriff Charles Rinehart was enthusiastic about the interaction and cooperation between all law enforcement of both counties. Rinehart said: "It is good when different law enforcement agents work together to fight the war on drugs."
Narcotics Investigator Anderson did not appear optimistic about the drug problems in the area.

"Meth is on the rise in Alcorn County. I'd like say thank you to the local pharmacies for providing pseudoephedrine log information. This is a great way to help control the matter,"said Anderson.

Anderson and Hopkins are in charge of the investigation. Helping with the case are Alcorn County Sheriff's Office Deputies, the Farmington Police Department and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. Anderson added another note of thanks to all who called with information and encouraged others with information to call him or Hopkins at 286-5521. The investigator gave assurances that all information would be kept confidential.

In other unrelated cases, deputies arrested and charged Sandy McGaha, 28, and Charesa Jones, 22, with prescription fraud after a forged prescription was reportedly passed at Gunn Drug Store. Investigator Anderson is in charge of the case and was assisted by Deputy Wooten.

Public information supplied to the Alcorn County Sheriff's office led to the arrest of Tanya Batie, 23, and Danielle McGee, 25, on a charge of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Investigator Anderson is in charge of the case and said he expect more arrests to be made in relation to this case.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

New vehicles latest additions to fight against drugs

Newly modified vehicles in McNairy and Alcorn County and a new officer in the Tennessee county are 'daring' to help area children make positive
choices and avoid drugs and other dangerous activities.
The recently completed DARE vehicles in the two counties are part of efforts to draw attention to the program and get students excited about the lessons being taught through the effort. Both vehicles were purchased and equipped without the use of any taxpayer money through a combination of donated materials and labor and funds from drug seizures.
Alcorn County Sheriff's Department Deputy and DARE Officer David Derrick said for him the DARE program is all about showing the students there are adults out there who truly care about them and their futures.
"I love my children and I tell them that and I mean it," he said.
The eye-catching graphics on the vehicles were created by James "Clevey" White at BDS Advertising Solutions. Derrick explained his department's Chevy Tahoe was already in the county's fleet and they came up with the idea of turning it into a tool for attracting students to the DARE effort.
White and a student at Glendale Elementary School came up with the design for the graphics. Work was also done on the vehicle by High Profile Signs in Muscle Shoals, Ala. and chrome wheels and tinting were donated by Timbes Tire and Accessories in Burnsville. Donated equipment was also installed free of charge by Citizen's Page in Corinth.
McNairy County Sheriff Rickey Roten praised White and all the others involved in helping his department get their Ford Expedition accessorized and equipped, noting as in Alcorn, the project was done without the expenditure of any taxpayer money.
Roten noted he recently appointed a new DARE Officer in his department. James McNeil will teach the program to students in all the county schools.
The sheriff said he's been wanting to expand the program for some time and sees it as a great way to reach out to young people and catch them early before they have a chance to get involved with drugs and other negative behaviors.
"We're trying to stay involved enough to where we can stay in contact with as many kids as we can," he said.
Derrick, who teaches the DARE anti-drug and alcohol curriculum to more than 300 students in fifth grade throughout the Alcorn School District each year, said he hopes students will learn not only the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, drugs and other hazards, but the importance of making positive decisions in all areas of their lives. He also wants them to know they can always turn to him when they find themselves facing a problem.
"We talk about anything with them. It's just building a relationship," he said. Derrick said the two DARE programs plan to share information and hope to work together in the future to spread the message.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Driver charged after two-county pursuit

A Prentiss County man faces a charge of felony fleeing after leading law enforcement on a pursuit from south Corinth into Prentiss County Wednesday morning.
Corinth police identified the man as Robert Welch, 46. His address is listed as a post office box in Booneville and is believed to reside in Prentiss County.
The situation began just before 11 a.m. in the area of Cemetery and Dickey streets as Officer Arlene Gann attempted to stop a suspicious vehicle whose driver failed to use a traffic signal when turning.
The 1996 Honda sport utility vehicle made several blocks in the south Corinth area. At some point as the vehicle was followed by the officer, the passenger jumped out of the vehicle and tossed an object believed to be drugs back into the vehicle, said Scotty Harville, assistant Corinth police chief.
The Honda finally traveled west on U.S. Highway 72, reaching speeds of 90 mph as it ran stop lights at the intersections with Cass, Fulton, Tate and both intersections with U.S. Highway 45.
"We cut off the pursuit at the city limits," said Harville. "The county got involved on 72." The pursuit left the city limits at 11:05 a.m. The vehicle turned onto Mississippi Highway 2 and traveled through Kossuth and Hightown as it headed toward Prentiss County on County Road 500. The pursuit apparently ended with the suspect crashing in Prentiss County without serious injury. The Prentiss County Sheriff's Department referred inquiries about the pursuit's end to Alcorn County.
Welch faces several charges in Corinth, including felony fleeing. As of 4 p.m., he had not been returned to Corinth. The passenger in the vehicle was charged with at least one misdemeanor.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Five arrested after meth lab raid

Five people face drug charges following a raid of a Mitchell Hill Road residence Monday night.
The Alcorn County Sheriff's Department executed a search warrant at 379 County Road 515 (Mitchell Hill Road) with the assistance of the Corinth Police Department and Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
Those arrested were identified as homeowner Timothy Darrell Gilley, 42; Terrell Edward Gilley, 47; Summer Ann Shadburn, 31; Debbie Denise Gamison, 42; and Anthony Wayne Bailey, 42. All are charged with possession of two or more precursors with the intent to manufacture and possession of methamphetamine.
Bonds had not been set and Narcotics Investigator Reggie Anderson said more arrests may be forthcoming in the case.
Anderson and Narcotics Investigator Darrell Hopkins found approximately 5 grams of methamphetamine during the search, in addition to several precursor chemicals used in the process of manufacturing methamphetamine.
The sheriff's department also seized three vehicles -- a 1990 Chevrolet Astro van, a 1983 Chevrolet Silverado pickup and a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix -- as well as a Springfield handgun.
Anderson said the suspects were using the one pot or "shake and bake" method of manufacture.
"This is the most dangerous method," he said.
Hopkins said meth activity continues to increase in the area. The investigators encourage tips from the public to report suspected drug activity.
Sheriff Charles Rinehart said the local drug stores have been providing updates on the pseudoephedrine logs.
"This is a great tool to look at and receive information," he said.
The department encourages confidential tips by phoning 286-5521

Thursday, January 8, 2009

6Lbs of Marijuana More on the Drug Bust

The Alcorn County Sheriff's Office released more details Wednesday regarding the New Year's Eve drug bust in which local law enforcement seized marijuana, cash and arrested two Baldwyn men.
Alcorn County Deputies seized six pounds of marijuana -- twice the amount originally reported by Prentiss County officials -- over $1,700 cash, and a 1990 GMC pick-up truck, according to the updated report. Officials also arrested Cartavia Cancaez Barnes, 23, and Fulton O'Brian Pierce, 25, both of Baldwyn.
The two men were charged with possession of a controlled substance. Justice Court Judge Steve Little set bonds for both at $50,000 cash. The Mississippi Department of Corrections placed a hold on Barnes, according to the report.
Alcorn County Sheriff Charles Rinehart said the investigation came about with newly purchased cell phone monitoring equipment.
"This will be a great tool to use to fight the war on drugs," said Rinehart. Alcorn County Narcotics Investigators Darrell Hopkins and Reggie Anderson led the investigation, along with the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office. Local officials contacted the Prentiss County Sheriff's Department with information they had gained. This information reportedly helped Prentiss County and Baldwyn law enforcement officials obtain a search warrant that led to the discovery of approximately 13 additional pounds of marijuana and another arrest.
Alcorn County officials who helped in the investigation where M. Sexton, J. Mayhall, D. Derrick, G. Walker, D. Smith, D. Harrison, S. Brown, S. Dalton, M. Billingsley, S. Crowe, J. Mills, Corinth Police Officers Fred Gooch and Pete Smith, and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
"I just want to take this time to thank my Narcotics Investigators for the great job they are doing in the fight on drugs in Alcorn County," said Sheriff Rinehart.
The case is still under investigation and, after speaking to both Pierce and Barnes, officials say more arrests are expected to be made.
In other, unrelated drug arrests, Investigator Anderson recently arrested and charged Valintino Perez, 41, with sale of a controlled substance (cocaine). Bond has not been set. Investigators Anderson and Hopkins also recently arrested Christopher Michael Mann, 22, with felony possession of marijuana. Hopkins is in charge of the case. A hold hasbeen reportedly placed on Mann by the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
The narcotics investigators ask that anyone with any information regarding drugs to call the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office at 662-286-5521.