Press Releases

FORT PAYNE, Ala. - A DeKalb County Investigator who is also assigned to the Alabama Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding a social media account that was used to share child pornography. DeKalb County Investigators and Special Response Team, along with ALEA, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, and the Department of Homeland Security executed a search warrant at a residence in Jackson County early Thursday morning. After reviewing IP address details and logs, obtaining electronic devices, and speaking with witnesses it was determined another potential suspect in this case to be a police officer employed with the town of Henagar. The investigation continued all morning Thursday and sufficient evidence was gathered to secure an arrest warrant for Joshua Min Kwon (40 of Henagar). Kwon was charged with Public Dissemination/Displ Obscene Matter Under 17.  Kwon was arrested and interviewed Thursday evening. Kwon was transported to the DeKalb County Jail without incident. The case is still under investigation and additional charges could be pending.

It is a very unfortunate day when we have to investigate and arrest one of our own.  However, we believe that law enforcement officers are held to the highest standard and any misconduct will not be tolerated or overlooked.  We would like to thank ALEA, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, the Henagar Police Department, The DeKalb County Special Response Team, and the Department of Homeland Security for their assistance with this case.  We are dedicated to working closely with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Internet Crime Against Children to help combat this illegal activity regardless of who it is!

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: "It is a sad day for law enforcement!"

"Chief Smith at Henagar is a great guy and always willing to help in any way, even in times like this when it's his own officer.  I know that this is very hard for Chief Smith because I've been there myself, unfortunately.  Once again, right is still right and wrong is still wrong no matter what!  If you're in the wrong, we will do our best to enforce the law no matter who you are!  And I hope this strongly shows that we will do so if it has happened in DeKalb County!"

"With that being said, there are still GREAT leaders in law enforcement who do not tolerate such disgraceful acts as this even though it still gives us ALL a black eye.  I'll still say it was a Fantastic job by ALEA, our very own DCSO Investigation Unit, Chief Smith, and all the others that were involved in the process."

"God Bless!" Concluded Sheriff Welden.

FORT PAYNE, Ala. - On Thursday, April 10th, 2025, at 6:16pm Dekalb County 911 received a call in the 3000 block of US HWY 117 in Mentone regarding a vehicle that had struck a residence there. The caller also reported that a male inside the vehicle had been shot.

Mentone Police, Dekalb County Deputies, Dekalb Ambulance Service, and Mentone Fire and Rescue responded to the scene. Upon arrival, first responders rendered immediate aid to the victim, identified as Marcus Adam Battles, 39 years old of Mentone. Mr. Battles passed away on scene as a result of his injuries.

Deputies then secured the scene, and the Dekalb County Criminal Investigation Unit responded along with Jacksonville State University's Center for Applied Forensics. Mr. Battles' death was ruled a homicide, and this is an ongoing investigation.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: "This was such a senseless act of violence that took a man's life and changed one family forever.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Battles family and friends."   

"God Bless!" Concluded Sheriff Welden.

FORT PAYNE, Ala. - On Monday, April 7th, the Dekalb County Sheriff's Office SRO assigned to Collinsville School received a tip that a convicted sex offender had been seen on school grounds after hours, possibly using school buses for shelter. The Dekalb County Criminal Investigation Unit was then notified of the tip and began an investigation into the matter.

At approximately 10:45pm that same night, Investigators along with the Collinsville SRO, Deputies, and members of Collinsville Police Department conducted a search of the area where the subject had been seen. A campsite was discovered in a heavily wooded area near the school and the subject was found at that campsite. The subject was identified as Kenneth Earl Phillips (67 of Collinsville). Phillips is a convicted sex offender stemming from a Rape 1st conviction in 1992 in St. Clair County. Phillips had recently been registering as "Homeless".

The property where Phillips had established a campsite was owned by the City of Collinsville, and Phillips was arrested on view for Criminal Trespass 3rd by Collinsville Police Department.

Investigators determined that the campsite was located less than 600 feet from Collinsville School's property line, and less than 1000 feet from the nearest school building. On April 8th a warrant was obtained by Investigators for a SORNA Violation due to Phillips failing to comply with code 15-20A-11 by establishing a residence less than 2000 feet from a school. Phillips was arrested by Deputies at Collinsville Police Department and transported to the Dekalb County Detention Center where he is currently being held.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: "I am glad that through the hard work of our Criminal Investigations Unit, Collinsville SRO and Collinsville PD, we were able to locate this individual before any other incident could occur.  Please be vigilant and know your surroundings at all times so when you see something out of the ordinary, you will know. And never hesitate to call if you think something criminal is going on."

"God Bless!" Concluded Sheriff Welden.

FORT PAYNE, Ala. - In March, the DeKalb County Sheriff's Deputies, Narcotics Agents, Officers with Collinsville, Powell, Ider, Henagar and Agents with The Alabama Bureau of Pardons and paroles arrested 16 individuals with drug related offenses. 

On Tuesday, March 4th, DeKalb County Deputies, along with Officers with Collinsville PD went to a residence on County Road 283 to execute a felony warrant.  Marvin Paul Gilbert III (41 of Collinsville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and 1 warrant for Failure to Appear.

Also, on Tuesday, Officers with Powell PD responded to a Domestic Violence call at a residence on College Road.  When Officers arrived, they noticed the house had been destroyed and several things had been flipped over.  Officers found Zane Michael Allen (31 of Fyffe) in the house with 11 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in his possession.  Allen was charged with Unlawful Possession with Intent to Distribute (cs), Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Domestic Violence 3rd.

On Sunday, March 9th, DeKalb County Deputies stopped a vehicle on County Road 356 in Grove Oak.  Marijuana, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found during a search of the vehicle.  Christopher Steven Holtzclaw (51 of Grove Oak) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd. 

On Monday, March 10th, DeKalb County Deputies conducted a traffic stop on County Road 89 in Mentone finding that both the driver and passenger had outstanding warrants.  During a search, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found in the vehicle.  Jonathan Lee Farmer (42 of Mentone) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and 2 warrants for Failure to Appear.  Kimberly Gayle Durham (46 of Mentone) was charged with Violation of release Order (x2), Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Also, on Monday, DeKalb County Deputies, along with Officers with Ider PD was dispatched to a residence on County Road 159 in Ider.  Upon arrival, they came into contact with Terry Jay White (62 of Flat Rock) and a female who was giving officers a false name.  She was soon identified as Mary Bowman Morgan (56 of Commerce, Ga) and was found in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.   White was charged with Bond Revocation (x2).  Morgan was charged with Violation of Release Order (x3), Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x2), Probation Revocation, Escape 2nd, Theft of Property 4th, Use False ID to Obstruct Justice and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 

Again, on Monday, Officers with Henagar PD conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for driving erratically.  Officers noticed open containers in the vehicle and a strong odor of marijuana was coming from the vehicle as well.  During a search of the vehicle, methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found.  Eric David Wade (33 of Fort Payne) was charged with DUI (alcohol), Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Blake Allen Nerche (33 of Dutton) was charged with Obedience to Police /Fireman, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 

On Thursday, March 13th, Agents with The Alabama Pardon and Paroles went to a residence on County Road 841 in Fort Payne to follow up with James Derrick Haney (34 of Fort Payne) who is on probation.  While there, Agents came into contact with Joyce Marie Haney (51 of Fort Payne) who was in possession of marijuana.  James Derrick Haney was found unresponsive in a back room of the home.  Narcan was administered and Haney was revived.  DAS was called to the scene, but Haney refused medical attention and transport to the hospital.  During a search of the residence, methamphetamine, marijuana, pills, drug paraphernalia and an undisclosed amount of US currency were found.  Joyce Marie Haney was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x4), Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Obstructing Government Operations, Cruelty to Animals and 2 warrants for Failure to Appear.  James Derrick Haney was charged with Probation Violation, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x4), Persons Forbid to Possess Firearms and 1 warrant for Failure to Appear. 

On Tuesday, March 18th, DeKalb County Deputies met with an outside agency to pick up Angela Baker Upton (48 of Grant).  After arriving at the DeKalb County Detention Center, Upton was found in possession of a suboxone strip, which she did not have a prescription for, and a capsule filled with white powder, which later tested positive for methamphetamine.  Upton was charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x2), Probation Violation and 1 warrant for Failure to Appear.

Also, on Tuesday, DeKalb County Deputies made a traffic stop on County Road 179 in the Kilpatrick area for having a switched tag.  When the driver exited the vehicle, he threw something underneath which was retrieved by Deputies.  Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found in the vehicle.  Joshua Wayne Stephens (45 of Crossville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  

On Thursday, March 27th, Officers with Collinsville PD were conducting a drivers license/safety check point at County Road 51 and County Road 200.  A vehicle driven by Dale Curtis Click (60 of Collinsville) approached the checkpoint having a strong odor of marijuana.  After a search of the vehicle, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and marijuana were found.  Click was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd.

Also, on Thursday, DeKalb County Deputies stopped a vehicle on I-59 finding the driver to be in possession of two bags of kratom.  April Blossom Coffey (36 of Pickens, Ms) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On Saturday, March 29th, DeKalb County Deputies, along with Officers with Ider PD responded to a call on County Road 449 in Flat Rock on a Domestic Violence call.  Upon arrival, they made contact with Ricky Lionel Rogers (42 of Flat Rock) finding him to be in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.   Rogers was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 

From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden:

FORT PAYNE, Ala. - The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Deputies, Narcotics Unit and Investigations Unit, Officers with Powell, Collinsville an Ider PDs arrested 26 on drug related charges during the month of February.  There was 65 grams of methamphetamine, 135 grams of marijuana, 2 grams of fentanyl and 2 grams of cocaine seized during the month. 

On Saturday, February 1st, DeKalb County Deputies were dispatched to the Marathon Gas Station in Kilpatrick for an accidental gunshot wound.  While searching the vehicle that transported the gunshot victim to the gas station, methamphetamine and marijuana were found.  Virginia Dale Morgan (67 of Crossville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance. 

Again, on Saturday, DeKalb County Deputies conducted a traffic stop on County Road 781 in Ider.  Detecting the odor of marijuana coming from within the vehicle, a search was performed finding the driver to be in possession of marijuana, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.  Rodney Dewayne Gilreath (45 of Ider) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd.  

On Tuesday, February 4th, Narcotics Agents were called to the scene of a structure fire on County Road 139 in Crossville after a chemical odor was detected.  Upon arrival, Agents made contact with Melissa Dawn McCreless (50 of Crossville) who appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance.  McCreless was found to be in possession of controlled pills that she did not have a prescription for, as well as drug paraphernalia.  McCreless was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x2) and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.   

On Thursday, February 6th, DeKalb County Deputies went to a residence on County Road 744 in Henagar searching for Lester Nick Durham (62 of Henagar) who had active warrants.  Upon arrival, Deputies found Durham inside the home with methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia sitting out in plain view.  Durham was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x3), Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Violation of Release Order (x2).  Dana Mechille Gonzalez (50 of Henagar) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x3), Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Obstructing Government Operations. 

On Friday, February 7th, DeKalb County Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 75 for speeding.  During a search of the vehicle, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found.  Christine Elizabeth Clines (59 of Ider) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and 1 warrant for Failure to Appear.

On Saturday, February 8th, DeKalb County Deputies went to a residence on County Road 9000 in Mentone searching for Paul Carter Blalock (52 of Valley Head) who had active warrants.  Methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found during a search of the residence.  Blalock was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 1st, Non-payment of Child Support (x2) and 5 warrants for Failure to Appear.

Also, on Saturday, DeKalb County Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 35 and Pendergrass Ave in Powell finding the driver to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.  Amanda Ann Smith (40 of Fyffe) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 

Again, on Saturday, DeKalb County Deputies conducted a traffic stop on County Road 651 and County Road 739 finding the driver to be in possession of kratom and several narcotic prescription drugs that he did not have prescriptions for.  William Lane Poe, Jr (41 of Fort Payne) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x3), Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Illegal Possession of Prescription Drugs.

On Sunday, February 9th, Officers with Powell PD conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 35 for traveling on the wrong side of the road.  An open container of alcohol, methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a firearm were found in the vehicle.  Randy Shawn Sturgill (36 of Henagar) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Open Container-Alcohol in Vehicle, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Persons Forbidden to Possess Firearm.  Brandon Kyle Stafford (30 of Trenton, Ga) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Open Container-Alcohol in in Vehicle and Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance. 

On Friday, February 14th, DeKalb County Narcotics Agents made a traffic stop on Hwy 75, near County Road 141, in the Cartersville area.  The driver of the vehicle, Mark Chirtra Davis (50 of Chattanooga, Tn) was found to have a felony warrant out of Hamilton County Tn.  An open container of alcohol, cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found in the vehicle.  Davis was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Hold for Agency.  Both passengers in the vehicle were also taken into custody.  Rita Ann Fuller (58 of Ider) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Taviea Chikkia Smith (46 of Chattanooga, Tn) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Promote Prison Contraband 2nd.

On Saturday, February 15th, DeKalb County Deputies were dispatched to a residence on County Road 1975 on complaints of drug activity.  During a search of the residence, methamphetamine, fentanyl, kratom, clonazepam, alprazolam, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found.  DHR was called to the scene for a small child and a safety plan was put into place.  Bridgett Lashanda Williams (42 of Boaz) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x4), Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 1st and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Michael Stacey McCormick (54 of Boaz) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 

On Sunday, February 16th, DeKalb County Deputies were dispatched to a residence in Crossville for a theft in progress.  While enroute, Deputies saw a vehicle with their flashers on and stopped to make sure everything was fine with the driver.  While talking to the driver, Deputies noticed tools that had been described as stolen in the theft.  Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia was also found in the vehicle. Terry Lee Epps (68 of Albertville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 

On Thursday, February 20th, DeKalb County Deputies conducted a traffic stop on County Road 3 in Crossville.  The driver David Mark Tanner (41 of Crossville) was found to have active warrants with DCSO and was also in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.  Tanner was charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and 3 warrants for Failure to Appear. 

On Saturday, February 22nd, DeKalb County Deputies, along with Officers with Collinsville PD conducted a traffic stop finding methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.  Jeremy Matthew Jones (49 of Collinsville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and 1 warrant for Failure to Appear.  Robert Wayne Gladden (62 of Collinsville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd.

On Sunday, February 23rd, DeKalb County Deputies were asked by Albertville PD to assist them in picking up Brian Allen Elkins (30 of Boaz) who has outstanding warrants with them and was living in a residence on County Road 15 in DeKalb County.  When Deputies arrived, a white male took off running but was soon apprehended.  Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia was found in the residence.  Elkins was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Attempt to Elude and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd.

On Wednesday, February 26th, Officers with Ider PD, along with DeKalb County Deputies conducted a traffic stop.  During the stop, the passenger threw a bag out of the window, which contained drug paraphernalia.  Fentanyl and heroin were also found during a search.  Anthony Cordell Gass (47 of Higdon) and Hali Mae Gilbert (24 of Flat Rock) were both charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

On Thursday, February 26th, DeKalb County Deputies conducted a traffic stop on County Road 479.  When asked their names, both driver and passenger gave false ID's.  During a search of the vehicle, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found.  Jason Clay Edde (47 of Albertville) was charged with Use False ID to Obstruct Justice, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Ismael Perez Martinez (42 of Albertville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Use False ID to Obstruct Justice and 3 warrants for Failure to Appear. 

On Thursday, February 27th, DeKalb County Deputies were dispatched to the bridge on County Road 388 for a vehicle that had stopped.  When deputies arrived, they found the driver to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.  Dana Reese Bearden (32 of Crossville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd. 

FORT PAYNE, Ala. - DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Investigators received a report from a guardian regarding an underage female communicating with an unknown male on an application called Reality. The individual was attempting to mask his identity about who he was and disclosed false information to the child. The individual sent numerous explicit images and engaged in sexual conversation with the child and also asked her to send photo of herself to him. After weeks of investigation and working with the Reality App, internet service providers, Google, and cell phone providers it was determined the suspect was Jason Wayne Everette (45 of North Carolina).

Four warrants were obtained for Everette for the charges of transmitting obscene material to a child, and electronic solicitation of a child.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: "We must keep our children safe while using the internet and technology. Please have conversations with your children about chatting and meeting strangers on cellphones or computers and check their devices for unusual activity. The Sheriff's Office is committed to seek out these perpetrators regardless of where they reside in the country."   

"God Bless!" Concluded Sheriff Welden.

FORT PAYNE, Ala. - The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office and The DeKalb County Animal Adoption Center are partnering up in the hopes of helping more dogs find their fur-ever homes.  Our plan is each month we will take in a new dog for our inmates to teach basic training and socialization skills in the hopes that it will be easier for them to be adopted into their fur-ever home.

This program will not only help the animal shelter pups but it will also give our inmates a sense of purpose and responsibility, helping with anxiety and stress levels and just brighten everyone's day.

When our inmates have the dogs ready to adopt, we will post pictures on our Facebook so you could then just get with the animal shelter at (256) 304-0474, fill out the application and go from there.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: "We are so excited about this program and all the benefits that will come with it.  Each dog will be house trained and learn basic obedience skills before they go home with you.  This is just an amazing opportunity for our inmates and to just boost overall moral within our facility."

"God Bless!" Concluded Sheriff Welden.

FORT PAYNE, Ala. - On Tuesday, February 4th at approximately 10:38 pm Dekalb County Deputies were dispatched to 1535 County Road 54 in Geraldine where Geraldine Fire Department and Crossville Fire Department were currently fighting a fully engulfed house fire. Once on scene, Deputies determined that an altercation between two residents of the home and a trespasser had occurred immediately before the fire which was suspected to have led to the house being intentionally set on fire.

The Dekalb County Criminal Investigation Unit was then notified and responded to the scene. After interviewing the residents of the home, the trespasser was identified as Toby Robert Joshua Townsend (27 of Geraldine). A search of the immediate area then ensued and Investigators were able to locate a male subject hiding in a large field behind the residence several hundred yards away. Believing this subject to be Townsend, Investigators and Deputies set a perimeter around the field and called in the Dekalb County Aviation Unit in order to provide overwatch before moving in to make contact with him.

Once Aviation Unit resources were in place, Investigators and Deputies moved through the field, made contact with the male subject and detained him without incident. The subject was identified as Townsend and was arrested on scene for outstanding warrants.

After further investigation, Townsend was charged with Assault 3rd, Criminal Trespass 1st, and Arson 2nd. Townsend is currently being held without bond in the Dekalb County Detention Center due to violation of the bond schedule for previous charges.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: "I would like to thank Geraldine and Crossville Fire Department for keeping the fire contained and keeping everyone safe.  Thank you to DeKalb County Deputies, Investigators and Aviation Unit for finding the individual responsible for this unnecessary act of evil as quickly as you did."

"It takes everyone working together as one to get the job done fast and efficient and you all proved that to be true Tuesday night."

"God Bless!" Concluded Sheriff Welden.

From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden:

FORT PAYNE, Ala. - During the month of January, DeKalb County Deputies, Investigations Unit, Narcotics Agents and Officers with Collinsville and Ider PD seized 72.5 grams of methamphetamine, 42 grams of marijuana and 257 dosage units of pills charging 16 with drug related offenses.

On Sunday, January 12th, Officers with Collinsville PD conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 68 near I-59 finding the driver to be in possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, body armor and a firearm.  Estiben Ramon Tejeda (34 of Gadsden) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On Tuesday, January 14th, DeKalb County Deputies were patrolling the area of County Road 111 and County Road 145 when they noticed a vehicle off the roadway still running.  Upon inspection, a white male was seen asleep inside the vehicle.  When Deputies opened the door to check on the individual, the smell of marijuana was strong.  During a search of the vehicle, marijuana, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found.  Robert Clark Kellett (56 of Crossville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On Sunday, January 19th, DeKalb County Narcotics Agents assisted DeKalb County Investigators on a search warrant for stolen property on County Road 141 in Ider.  Upon arrival, Agents made contact with Waylon James Parson (37 of Ider) and Crystal Marie Jackson (41 of Ider).  During a search, methamphetamine, controlled medication, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found.  Parson was charged with Receiving Stolen Property 1st, Receiving Stolen Property 3rd, Obscuring ID of a vehicle, Criminal Mischief 2nd, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x4) Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd.  Jackson was charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x4) and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd.  This case is ongoing and criminal charges will be obtained for the stolen property. 

Again, on Sunday, DeKalb County Deputies were sent to a residence on County Road 479 on an overdose call where CPR was in progress.  When Deputies arrived, they administered Narcan.  Narcotics Agents arrived to conduct a search, finding controlled pills, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.  Casey Lee Wood (30 of Boaz) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x2), Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and CHINS/Causing Delinquency, Dependency or Need of Supervision of Children.

On Monday, January 20th, Officers with Ider PD attempted to stop a vehicle, but lost sight of it.  Officers knew who the vehicle belonged to and went to the residence.  When Officers were trying to place the driver under arrest, he started resisting.  Narcotics Agents arrived finding methamphetamine in the vehicle.  Shawn Blake Hartline (43 of Ider) was charged with Attempt to Elude, Resisting Arrest, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Criminal Trespass 3rd (x2), Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and 1 warrant for Failure to Appear. 

On Wednesday, January 22nd, DeKalb County Deputies went to a residence on County Road 391 in Crossville looking for a subject who had active warrants.  Upon arrival, Deputies found drug paraphernalia inside the house.  Joana Frances Raulerson (39 of Albertville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Violation of Release Order (x4).  Cesily Dawn Elledge (33 of Boaz) and Randolph Dustin Chinchar (43 of Stone Mountain, Ga) were both charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On Monday, January 27th, Narcotics Agents went to a residence on Hwy 75 in Henagar after complaints of drug use were received.  During a search of the residence, marijuana, prescription medication and drug paraphernalia were found.  Michael Alexander Glass (29 of Henagar) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd.  Katherine Destiny Glass (30 of Henagar) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Nathaniel Kyle Toney (28 of Ider) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd and 7 warrants for Failure to Appear.  Due to young children also being in the residence, DHR was called and responded to the scene. 

Again, on Monday, DeKalb County Deputies conducted a traffic stop on County Road 88 for a traffic violation.  Methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a firearm was located in the vehicle.  Jason Lee Driskill (42 of Fort Payne) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Persons Forbidden to Possess Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and 2 warrants for Failure to Appear.  Ashley Victoria Garner (32 of Pisgah) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Tampering with Physical Evidence and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 

On Thursday, January 30th, DeKalb County Deputies, along with Collinsville PD went to a residence on County Road 283 to serve warrants on individuals located at this residence.  Marvin Paul Gilbert III (41 of Collinsville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Tracy Dwayne Johnson (64 of Collinsville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Violation of Release Order (x7).

FORT PAYNE, Ala. - On January 16th, 2025, the Dekalb County Criminal Investigation Unit received a report from Ider Police Department regarding a Burglary that had occurred in the 21000 block of HWY 117 in Ider. According to the victims, the burglary had to have taken place sometime between the Thanksgiving holiday and the date of the report.

When Investigators arrived on scene, it was determined that a large shop had been broken into and several thousand dollars' worth of tools, vehicle parts, and farming equipment had been stolen along with a Chevrolet Trailblazer.

It was also determined that four school buses that were stored on the grounds of the shop had been broken into and stripped of parts. These buses were owned by a local business which uses the grounds of the shop as a storage facility.

After processing the scene and gathering evidence on at least one suspect, probable cause was found to execute a search warrant at an address on Woodland Drive in Ider on January 17th, 2025. Approximately half of the stolen property was recovered during the course of this search warrant. At the conclusion of this search warrant, Jacob Lee Correll (33 of Ider), who was already incarcerated in the Dekalb County Detention Center on charges stemming from an incident on January 15th, 2025, was charged with the additional charges of Theft of Property 1st (x2), Burglary 3rd, Theft of Property 2nd, and Unlawful Breaking and Entering of a Vehicle (x4).

In the early morning hours of January 19, 2025, after developing further leads, a second search warrant was executed at 2316 County Road 141 by the Dekalb County Investigation Unit in conjunction with the Dekalb County Drug Task Force. During the course of this search warrant, parts to the stolen Chevrolet Trailblazer were recovered, but the vehicle had already been "chopped" and completely destroyed. A significant amount of narcotics was found within the residence during the search warrant and two subjects were arrested. Waylon James Parson (37 of Ider) was arrested on scene and charged with Receiving Stolen Property 1st, Receiving Stolen Property 3rd, Criminal Mischief 2nd, Obscuring ID of a Vehicle, UPOCS (x4), UPODP, and UPOM 2nnd. Crystal Marie Jackson (41 of Ider) was also arrested on scene for UPOCS (x4), UPODP, and UPOM 2nd.

By January 21, 2025, Investigators had recovered approximately 80 percent of the victims' stolen property at various locations and returned it to them. This investigation is still ongoing and additional subjects are believed to be involved in the commission of the burglary.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: "I appreciate our Investigations Unit for all they do and the phenomenal job done in solving this case. I am thankful for the amazing working relationship we have not only with Ider Police Department, but all Law Enforcement Agencies in DeKalb County. It is sad that some people chose to steal from others instead of going out and making an honest living. I am thankful these thieves will have to pay the price for their crimes."

"God Bless!" Concluded Sheriff Welden.