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November 20, 2009

Wrong number leads to drug arrest

By Trent Moore The Cullman Times

CULLMAN — If you’re calling someone to set up a drug buy, it’s important to make sure you dial the correct number first.

Cullman resident Jeffrey Blane Turner, 39, was arrested for attempting to commit a controlled substance crime Tuesday after dialing the wrong number and setting up a drug deal with a stranger on November 8. The stranger then immediately called the Cullman Police Department and tipped them off.

“City dispatch received a call from a gentleman, who lives in the county, who had received a call from Turner,” Cullman Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET) agent Gene Bates said. “Apparently Turner dialed the wrong number, because the man did not know him, and Turner discussed wanting to sell him prescription drugs and wanted to meet him at the high school at 8:30 p.m. The man in the county played along enough to get the information about the meeting and then called the police department.”

Bates said city police officers drove past the high school at approximately 8:30 p.m. and spotted Turner.

“Officers Adam Clark and Chris Nichols began speaking with Turner, determined he was under the influence of medication, and arrested him for public intoxication,” Bates said. “He had Xanax on him, though he did have a prescription.”

The Cullman Police Department contacted the district attorney’s office and a warrant was soon issued for Turner’s arrest.

“They issued a warrant for attempt to commit a controlled substance crime,” Bates said. “Turner turned himself in at the Cullman County Detention Center.”

It took a concerned citizen — as well as a stroke of luck — to make the arrest, Bates said.

“It’s really kind of a fluke that he happened to dial the wrong number,” he said.

* Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.

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