17 Charged in Drug-Related Offenses During February and March in DeKalb County
DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Reports Multi-Agency Drug Enforcement Activity
FORT PAYNE — The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office reports that 17 individuals were charged with drug-related offenses during the months of February and March, following a series of traffic stops, investigations, search warrants, and multi-agency enforcement operations across the county.
Sheriff Nick Welden’s office credited the efforts of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Deputies, the Drugs and Major Crimes Unit, K-9 Unit, Alabama Pardons and Paroles, and the Fort Payne, Collinsville, and Henagar Police Departments for their coordinated work.
Officials say the cases span multiple incidents involving methamphetamine, marijuana, prescription medications, and other controlled substances, along with related offenses including trafficking, distribution, firearm violations, and attempts to evade law enforcement.
February 16
On February 16, a DeKalb County deputy and the Drugs and Major Crimes Unit conducted a traffic stop on County Road 52 for speeding. The driver, Cason Jordan Jackson, 19, of Pisgah, was found to be in possession of marijuana, THC gummies, and a firearm after deputies detected the odor of marijuana. Jackson was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
February 17
On February 17, deputies stopped a vehicle on County Road 56 and County Road 43 for no tag. The driver, Christopher Todd Adkins, 43, of Fyffe, and passenger Rodney Ray Gilbert, 62, of Grove Oak, were found with a crystal-like substance in the vehicle. Both were charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
February 19
On February 19, a traffic stop on County Road 400 and Highway 227 led to the arrest of Bradley Keith Bell, 56, of Fort Payne. A K-9 unit alerted to the vehicle, resulting in the discovery of a large amount of methamphetamine. Bell was charged with trafficking and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
February 20
On February 20, the Drugs and Major Crimes Unit executed a search warrant on County Road 258 at the residence of Charles Avery Rush Jr., 59, of Fort Payne. Deputies reported finding methamphetamine, marijuana, pills, firearms, and paraphernalia. Rush faces multiple charges including two counts of distribution, possession with intent, unlawful possession of marijuana first degree, three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, tampering with evidence, certain persons forbidden, resisting arrest, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
March 3
On March 3, Henagar Police conducted a traffic stop on Alabama Highway 75 for failure to stop for a school bus. The driver, Jeremy Don Williams, 47, of Scottsboro, and passenger Joseph Ryan West, 40, of Higdon, were found with methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and an open container of alcohol. West was arrested on outstanding warrants, while Williams was charged with possession with intent, unlawful possession of marijuana second degree, and drug paraphernalia violations.
March 12
On March 12, deputies responded to a possible overdose on County Road 9, where they made contact with Mathew Boyce Pointer, 45, of Crossville. Officers reported seeing illegal narcotics in plain view. A search led to charges of three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana second degree, and drug paraphernalia.
March 13
On March 13, a deputy located a vehicle with a trailer stopped in the roadway on County Road 28. The driver, Matthew Barnett, 41, of Crossville, was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, multiple pills, alcohol, and drug paraphernalia. Barnett was charged with three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and open container violations.
March 17
On March 17, the Drugs and Major Crimes Unit and Fort Payne Police attempted to stop a vehicle on U.S. Highway 11 driven by Jason Lynn Souder, 53, of Fort Payne, who was wanted on felony warrants. Souder fled, leading officers on a pursuit to County Road 954 before fleeing on foot and being apprehended. Authorities say methamphetamine, morphine, a stolen firearm, and drug paraphernalia were recovered. Souder faces multiple charges including attempting to elude, possession with intent, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm, possession of stolen property second degree, assault, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, and additional traffic citations.
March 18
On March 18, Alabama Pardons and Paroles officers conducted a home inspection on County Road 26 where they encountered Jeremy Lamar Simmons, 48, of Sardis City, and Adam Ray McClendon, 42, of Horton. Both were found in possession of methamphetamine and were charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
March 21
On March 21, deputies stopped a vehicle on Highway 176 and County Road 58 for an expired tag. The driver, Scotty Alexander Shaver, 40, of Fort Payne, was found with methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia and charged accordingly.
March 22
On March 22, Collinsville officers responded to a reckless driver complaint near County Roads 51 and 52, locating a vehicle stopped in the roadway with Jamie Scott Craton, 43, of Fort Payne, found unresponsive behind the wheel. Officers observed synthetic marijuana in plain view. Craton was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.
Later that same day in Henagar, officers responded to a complaint of an unwanted guest on Burton Road. Damon Patrick Ford, 47, of Henagar, and Joe Ray Walker, 40, of Henagar, were located after one suspect fled. A search of the vehicle revealed clonazepam pills and drug paraphernalia. Both were charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.
March 24
On March 24, a Collinsville officer conducted a traffic stop on Highway 68 for a switched tag. The driver, Semone Alexandria Escamilla, 40, of Rainsville, was found to have a suspended license and outstanding warrants. A search uncovered methamphetamine, suboxone, and drug paraphernalia, and Escamilla also admitted to possessing additional methamphetamine on her person. She was charged with possession with intent, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia violations, and outstanding warrants.
Agency Statement
Sheriff Welden’s office emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation in carrying out the arrests and investigations, stating that the results reflect the dedication and teamwork of all involved agencies.
Authorities say the investigation efforts and enforcement operations remain ongoing across DeKalb County.
