The culmination of an on-going investigation by the Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit recently resulted in the arrest of three people, in connection with the alleged distribution of methamphetamine in Etowah County. 

One of those arrested is wanted here in Cherokee County.

Agents executed a search warrant at a Gadsden area motel room, which turned up amounts of methamphetamine, spice and drug paraphernalia. 

A .40 caliber handgun was also found on one of the suspects; another handgun, and $4,500 was recovered from a vehicle in the parking lot.  One of the guns was confirmed stolen from Las Vegas, Nevada.

Those arrested at the scene included 40 year old Candala Bridgett Phillips of Piedmont who was charged with two counts of Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance, along with Chemical Endangerment of a Child.  Her bond was set at $60,000. 

She is currently on probation in Cherokee County for Trafficking Synthetic Drugs.

Hiram Shane Strawn, age 33 of Boaz – was charged with two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess a Pistol, and with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Strawn’s bond was set at $50,000. 

He also has warrants in Marshall County for Bond Revocation.

A 17 year old was also arrested and was charged with one count of Unlawful Distribution of Methamphetamine prior to being turned over to juvenile probation.

Phillips and Strawn remain in the Etowah County Detention Center – and additional charges may be forthcoming in relation to the firearms.