Published: May 21, 2008 09:14 pm            

Sheriff’s office seeks community’s help to find alleged drug dealers

PATRICKM@CULLMANTIMES.COM



Cullman County Sheriff’s investigators arrested dozens of individuals recently in a massive crackdown on drug activity in the area, but there are still suspects who have eluded their grasp.

“We need some help locating these individuals,” said Sheriff Tyler Roden.

Roden said investigators are searching for seven individuals with drug-related warrants and encourages any citizen with information on the suspects to contact the sheriff’s office immediately.

Among the seven listed are Jonathon Craig Wilson, 33, and Crystal Naomi Farr, 28, both of whom were last seen in the Battleground community. Both are charged with unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance. Kenny Wayne Goodwin, 49, who was last known to reside in the Dodge City area, is also wanted on a charge of unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance.

Christopher Taylor, 42 of the West Point community and William Michael Drake, 50, of the Baldwin community, are charged with unlawful distribution of a controlled substance.

Both Whitney Van Carter, 30, of Cullman and Timothy Wayne Busby, 23, of the Bugtussle community are charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

On May 12 and May 13, state and federal law enforcement agencies teamed up with sheriff’s investigators and the Cullman Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET) to serve 60 drug-related warrants, 39 of which were served. While serving the warrants, the more than 70 law enforcement personnel arrested approximately 25 other individuals, most for drug-related crimes, including meth manufacturing.

During the crackdown, investigators also shut down two meth labs, seized 18 firearms and recovered small amounts of marijuana and meth.

“It’s (bust) been very successful,” Roden said. “It’s certainly been worthwhile. Again I appreciate all the agencies that assisted and what CNET has done in this effort.”

Anyone with information on the seven suspects’ whereabouts should call the sheriff’s office at 735-2400.

Unlawful distribution of a controlled substance is a Class B felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance in the first degree is a Class A felony, punishable by up to life in prison. Unlawful possession of a controlled substance is a Class C felony, punishable by as much as 10 years in prison.

        

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