Illegal activity keeps DTF busy
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Law enforcement officials has been busy with numerous arrests during the past week, including the following:
€ On Thursday, agents with the 22nd Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force executed a search warrant on the residence located at 200 Graves St. in Opp. The search warrant was obtained after evidence had been recovered that led agents to believe there was a possible clandestine methamphetamine laboratory at the residence.
At the time of the search there was no one at the home and no suspects were taken into custody. DTF agents where, however able to determine the residents of the home were Kristina Lee Preachers, 27, and Justin Isreal Tillery, 22.
During the search, agents located finished meth, including devices to ingest the drug. Marijuana and several chemicals used in the manufacture of meth were also found.
Warrants have been obtained for the arrests of Tillery and Preachers for the following: attempting to commit a controlled substance crime to writ, manufacturing a controlled substance in the 1st degree ($250,000 bond), possession of a controlled substance ($10,000 bond), possession of marijuana II ($3,000 bond), and possession of drug paraphernalia ($3,000 bond).
DTF agents also reported they believe Tillery and Preachers are aware they have pending arrest warrants and are attempting to flee prosecution. Any information regarding the whereabouts of either of the two suspects can be directed to local law enforcement or the DTF by calling (334) 222-LABS.
DTF officials said they would like to thank officers from the Opp Police Department, Andalusia Police Department, and deputies from the Covington County Sheriff's Department for their assistance.
€ On Friday, DTF agents executed a search warrant at 515 Mock St. in Andalusia. Agents were able to obtain the search warrant based on several months of investigation of illegal drug activity involving the suspects.
At the time of the search, Andeon Cortez White, 23, and Donna Christy Dillard, 21, were arrested.
During the search of the home, agents located marijuana, bags (paraphernalia), and other items used in the sale and ingestion of marijuana.
White was charged with two counts of the distribution of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana I, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
White's total bond was set at $320,000 and Dillard's total bond was set at $70,000.
The DTF officials said the Andalusia Police Department and Covington County Sheriff's Department assisted in the case.
€ On Monday, DTF agents went with a case worker from the Alabama Department of Human Resources to a residence located at 2845 Anna Lane in Red Level to investigate reports of possible drug activity with juveniles present. Upon arrival, an odor associated with the manufacture of meth was sensed. Items associated with the drug were also in plain view.
Agents then were able to obtain a search warrant of the residence. During the search, the following items were recovered by DTF agents: several containers of meth oil estimated at 1,500 grams, finished meth estimated at about 3 grams, marijuana, precursor chemicals used in the manufacture of meth as well as several other chemicals used in meth.
Pamela Renee Nolen, 41, and Ricky Dewayne Barnes, 28, Chase Brogden Turner, 18, and a juvenile was also present. Nolen's total bond was $1.64, Barnes' total bond was $1.61 million, and Turner's total bond $300,000.
The juvenile present was also arrested, and because he was 16 years of age but charged with two class A felonies, he was adjudicated to adult status.
The DTF would like to thank Red Level Police Chief David Anderson and the Red Level Police Department for their assistance, as well as the Covington County Sheriff's Department and the Andalusia Rescue Squad.
DTF officials said investigations into this case are still pending, and more arrests are expected.
A separate drug arrest was also made Sunday by Opp Police Department.
According to OPD Chief Bill Shaw, a traffic stop on Hwy. 52 in Opp resulted in the arrest of Tara Merrit, 39, for a small amount of marijuana and paraphernalia. While Shaw could not confirm the exact amount of the bonds for the offenses, he said they're probably $500 each.