Published Thursday, August 28, 2008 in Local 15 arrested in drug bust
By Amy Lott
The Times-Herald
Fifteen people were arrested by Newnan Police officers at three separate locations -- one, a make-shift "liquor house" -- on charges ranging from narcotics possession to disorderly conduct, authorities say.
Danny McDonald, head of the department's recently-formed City Drug Unit, said officers were in the process of serving three search warrants with the Special Response Team Tuesday night when they encountered the subjects.
According to Drug Unit Investigator Jeremy Wood, police were forced to break off burglar bars at 22 Westgate Park Dr. to get into a residence where narcotics had been purchased undercover and citizens had complained drug activity was taking place. Julian Marcus Woodson Jr., 21, of Palmetto, was found inside sitting on a 9 mm handgun; and another unnamed suspect was reportedly caught trying to flush drugs down the toilet. Main Street Newnan
Woodson was taken into custody on charges of possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime. An unidentified third subject not on the premises at the time could also be facing jail time, Wood said.
Two people were also arrested for drug possession at 118 Pinson St., said Drug Unit Investigator Jody Stanford. John Charles Turley, 38, of Newnan, was found intoxicated inside a vehicle in the driveway of the home, and an unlabeled pill bottle containing various prescription narcotics -- including Darvocet -- was discovered on the passenger side floor of the automobile, Stanford said.
After Turley's arrest and during the subsequent search of his vehicle, police found two purses -- one containing a pipe with crack cocaine inside, the other containing three baggies of crack cocaine. Stanford said Kelly Nicole Gordon, 23, of Newnan, was taken into custody after she exited the house and admitted the contents of the purses belonged to her.
After Turley's arrest and during the subsequent search of his vehicle, police found two purses -- one containing a pipe with crack cocaine inside, the other containing three baggies of crack cocaine. Stanford said Kelly Nicole Gordon, 23, of Newnan, was taken into custody after she exited the house and admitted the contents of the purses belonged to her.
Earlier this month, five people were arrested at the same home on Pinson Street for possession of crack cocaine and marijuana. Stanford and Wood said a final round of 12 arrests took place at 10 Kidd St., where alcohol was reportedly being sold illegally out of home's garage/barn turned bar. "When we pulled up, everybody saw us and started scattering," Stanford said.
According to authorities, Mario Flint Walker, 21, who lived at the residence, was seen throwing something -- what turned out to be a large clear bag containing 65 $10 crack cocaine baggies and approximately half an ounce of marijuana worth about $300 -- over a fence. Walker was arrested for possession of both crack cocaine and marijuana with intent to distribute.
Drug Unit Investigator Denver Atwood said inside the converted outbuilding, police found a fully-functional liquor-selling establishment called "BJ's Place" complete with pool table, alcohol, snacks, bubblegum machine, two bars, refrigerator, couch, chairs and DJ/karaoke area with speakers. A police video of the scene showed an interior decorated with twinkling Christmas lights and draped with garland, with directions posted informing patrons they could use a bathroom inside the house. A collage of patrons' or friends' photos adorned one slide-out wall, and a sign was displayed proclaiming: "BJ['s] Place -- Love, Peace, Understanding. No drugs in here."
Police said marijuana was found around the room, as was a partially smoked blunt. Marilyn Deloris Bohannon, 54, of Newnan, was found inside with a pipe and crack cocaine in her purse and charged with possession. Others arrested on the scene included: Quinton Darrell Alexander, 21, of Newnan, for marijuana possession and disorderly conduct; Kathy Rebecca Elder, 53, of Newnan, for marijuana possession and disorderly conduct; Ralph Andrew Calhoun Jr., 28, of Newnan, for marijuana possession and disorderly conduct; Xavier DeJuan Sanders, 26, of Newnan, for disorderly conduct; Craig Jerome Bolton, 34, of Newnan, for disorderly conduct and a previous charge of theft by taking; Lewis Davis Amey, 62, of Newnan, for disorderly conduct and a previous charge of failure to appear; resident Roosevelt Tolbert, 62, for disorderly conduct and possession of marijuana; and resident Betty Jean Florence, 43, for disorderly house and possession of marijuana.
Atwood said he believes Florence -- who has been served a search warrant before -- has had the establishment for at least four years.
While officers were arresting subjects at 10 Kidd St., Jerry Carlton Dennis Sr., 49, of Lee St., reportedly arrived on the scene and continually cursed at police due to intoxication. Despite repeated warnings, Dennis did not stop the disturbance and was arrested for public drunkenness, according to Wood.
The City Drug Unit, which formed at the end of May, primarily handles street-level drug arrests, according to Newnan Police Chief Douglas L. "Buster" Meadows. Since its inception, the group of four city officers has made 62 arrests.
Anyone with information on drug-related activity may contact the Drug Unit on the newly-established tip line at 770-254-2350. Callers may remain anonymous.
"Citizens need to be more involved," Stanford said, noting that most of the information received by the Drug Unit comes from complaints.
-------------------- L'enfer est plein de bonnes volontés et désirs
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