FORT PAYNE, Ala. Local law enforcement across the county have been busy over the last three weeks with 23 being arrested on drug related charges. During just one arrest, law enforcement discovered two meth labs, confiscated two firearms, along with33 grams of methamphetamine, items used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
On Tuesday, March 9th, DeKalb County Narcotics and Interdiction Unit conducted a traffic stop in the North bound lane of I-59 in Fort Payne. During the stop, the K-9 unit was deployed and alerted agents to Xanax, THC wax and drug paraphernalia. Mattie Lynne Sanchez (21 of Tampa, Fl) and Bobby Ray McMurtry (23 of Tampa, Fl) were charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x2) and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Also, on March 9th, DeKalb County Narcotics Agents observed Melford Charles Bowers (23 of Centre) actively smoking synthetic marijuana outside a residence on Gregory Ave in Collinsville. While taking Bowers into custody, he attempted to destroy the evidence and fight off deputies. Bowers was charged with Resisting Arrest, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
On Thursday, March 11th, DeKalb County Narcotics Agents were following up on several complaints of drug activity at apartments on Godfrey Ave in Fort Payne. While there, agents made contact with Willard Pierre Lowery (27 of Fort Payne) and Laramie Michael McCurdy (20 of Fort Payne). Bothwere found to be in possession of approximately 12 grams of methamphetamine, 28 grams of synthetic marijuana and a large sum of US currency. Lowery was charged with Possession with Intent, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. McCurdy was charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
On the same day, DeKalb County Narcotics Agents were called to the DeKalb County Detention Center after officers found an inmate to be in possession of methamphetamine. William Boatright (30 of Albertville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Promote Prison Contraband 2nd.
On Friday, March 12th, a Collinsville Police Officer made a traffic stop on Al 68 finding the driver of the vehicle to be in possession of methamphetamine. Preston Devall Kolb (49 of Helena) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance. DeKalb County Narcotics Agents were called in to assist.
On Monday, March 15th, DeKalb County Sheriffs Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Al Hwy 35 near Adamsburg with 5 grams of methamphetamine and some controlled pills being found in the vehicle. Kayla Renee Hall (33 of Fort Payne) and Tanda Sue Northrup (34 of Fort Payne) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. DeKalb County Narcotics Agents were called in to assist.
Also, on Monday, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to perform a welfare check at a residence on County Road 179 in Kilpatrick. While speaking to a male subject, deputies could smell an odor coming from the house. Narcotics Agents were called in to assist with a search of the residence. Almost a pound of marijuana, along with drug paraphernalia was found during the search. Joseph Steven Vargas-Gonzales (34 of Albertville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 1st and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
On Wednesday, March 17th, DeKalb County Narcotics Agents were called in to assist Sylvania Police Officers with a complaint they had received on Blue Pond Blvd In Sylvania. Michael Levon Whitton (62 of Sylvania) was charged with Public Intoxication, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd.
On Saturday, March 20th, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a traffic stop at Us Hwy 11 and Al 68 in Collinsville. Craig Jerome Maddox (20 of Collinsville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. During the stop, Maddox was found to have outstanding warrants from other agencies, as well as being in possession of approximately 2 ounces of synthetic marijuana and other drug paraphernalia.
On Sunday, March 21st, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a trespassing call at a residence on County Road 446. Upon arriving, deputies found William James Ingle (29 of Rainsville) inside the residence hiding in a closet. Ingle was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Criminal Trespassing 1st.
On the same day, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Shadow Ridge Lane in Geraldine. Jacob Matthew Scott (26 of Dawson) was charged with Distribution of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd. During the stop, Scott was found to have outstanding warrants with DCSO and found to be in possession of approximately 11 grams of methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia.
On Tuesday, March 23rd, after receiving numerous complaints of drug activity, DeKalb County Narcotics Agents stopped a vehicle leaving a residence on County Road 121 in the Blake Community. Agents found the occupants of the vehicle to be in possession of heroin and marijuana. Jody Daniel Phillips (45 of Fort Payne) and Kyla Marie Dabbs (30 of Fort Payne) were arrested. Agents discovered 2 meth labs, approximately 33 grams of methamphetamine, items used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine, 2 firearms and drug paraphernalia. Phillips was charged with Manufacturing of Controlled Substance 1st, Trafficking in any Illegal Drug, Manufacturing Drug Paraphernalia, and Carrying Pistol Unlawfully. Dabbs was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. This case is still under investigation and more charges are possible.
On Wednesday, March 24th, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 40 in Henagar. Rainsville K-9 unit was called to the scene where K-9unit deputy alerted to methamphetamine. Narcotics Agents were called in to assist. Mary Guffey Subias (30 of Sylvania) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
On the same day, Narcotics agents were called in to assist Ider Police officers during a traffic stop. During the search of the vehicle, marijuana, heroin, and drug paraphernalia was found. Lillie Nicole Boyd (38 of Whitwel, TN) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd.
Also, on Wednesday, DeKalb County Narcotics Agents were called to assist Geraldine Police Officers on a traffic stop on Hwy 75 and County Road 18 in the Lakeview area. The driver of the vehicle was found to be in possession of a drug paraphernalia and Za Za Reds. Dekota Wayne Isaiah Helton (22 of Grant) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
On Monday, March 29th, DeKalb County Narcotics Agents executed a search warrant on Williams Ave NE in Fort Payne. During the search over 2 ounces of synthetic marijuana and 11 grams of methamphetamine was confiscated. Laramie Michael McCurdy (20 of Fort Payne) was charged with Trafficking in Any Illegal Drug, Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd. Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x2) and Illegal Possession of Prescription Drugs. Willard Pierre Lowery (27 of Fort Payne) was charged with Trafficking in Any Illegal Drug, Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x2), Illegal Possession of Prescription Drugs and Persons Forbidden to Possess Pistol.
Also, on Monday, DeKalb County Narcotics Unit were attempting to conduct a traffic stop in the Powell area, when the driver accelerated and led them on a short pursuit. The driver eventually pulled over and was identified as Zack Laney. Agents found there was a Federal warrant for Laney’s arrest, who was arrested and taken to the DeKalb County Detention Center and later transferred into Federal custody by US Marshalls. Powell’s Police Officers assisted in this.
On Tuesday, March 30, DeKalb County Narcotics Agents conducted a traffic stop at County Road 571 and Barry Street in Powell. During the stop, the K-9 unit was utilized and alerted agents to methamphetamine, synthetic marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a handgun that had been reported stolen. Carlos Flores-Alcides (23 of Fyffe) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x2), Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Pistol Concealed w/o Permit and Receiving Stolen Property 2nd.
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: “I want to thank all the Law Enforcement agencies that assisted with these arrests. I also want to thank the public for all the tips you provide and for the support you give. To win the fight against drugs, we all must work as one, and our county has definitely proved we can do just that.”
“God Bless!” Concluded Sheriff Welden.
