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.

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."

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.