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PAGE 2A February 2026
Multi State Fuel Theft
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Authorities arrested 16 for Drugs in DeKalb County in January 2026. According to DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden, the first drug arrest of the New Year came on Tuesday, January 6, when the DeKalb County Drug and Major Crimes Unit conducted a search warrant at the Northpoint Apartments in Fort Payne due to illegal drug activity. During the search warrant, Lillie Bell Chaney (52 of Fort Payne) and Cephas Dewayne Dotley (66 of Fort Payne) were both detained and Agents found Cocaine, Marijuana and drug paraphernalia inside the residence. Chaney and Dotley were both charged with Possession with Intent, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 1st and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. On January 7, law enforcement was working traffic on County Road 155 when they stopped a vehicle for a busted taillight. The driver was identified as Kimberly Annette Stinnett (56 of Higdon) and the passenger was identified as Lynn Edward Clements (61 of Higdon). During the stop, fentanyl and paraphernalia were found. Stinnett and Clements were both charged with Trafficking (Fent.) and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. On January 8, Ider Police officers arrested Katelin Marie Land (31 of Brundidge) for Theft of Property 4th and transported her to the DeKalb County Jail. While booking her into the Jail, Corrections Offices found her to be in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, synthetic marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The Drug and Major Crimes Unit was contacted and responded and Land was charged with Promote Prison Contraband 2nd, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x3), Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. On January 11, an Officer with the Collinsville Police Department and a DeKalb County Deputy went to a residence on Watts Avenue due to a Domestic Violence complaint. Law Enforcement made contact with Lamya Denise Bennett (19 of Douglasville, GA). While speaking with Bennett she pulled something out of her pocket and dropped a baggie containing synthetic marijuana. Law Enforcement attempted to detain Bennett and she resisted. The Drug and Major Crimes Unit was contacted and Bennett was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Resisting Arrest. On January 13, the Drug and Major Crimes Unit was patrolling County Road 479 and stopped a truck for swerving into oncoming traffic. The driver got out of the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot and after Agents caught him, he began fighting. Agents were finally able to get him detained and found methamphetamine, THC vape and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. The driver was identified as Daniel Cahson (30 of Boaz). Cahson was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x2), Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Attempting to Elude and Resisting Arrest. On January 15, authorities stopped a vehicle at the Geraldine Gas station for an expired tag. The driver stated he did not have identification and gave Deputies a name and DOB. When Deputies ran the information provided, dispatch advised he had active warrants for his arrest. Deputies then approached the vehicle and had him exit the vehicle. The driver told Deputies that he had given them the wrong name, he was then identified as Richard Billy Gene Spencer Ferguson (40 of Geraldine). Deputies found methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a firearm in the vehicle. Ferguson was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful HONORED - Congressman Robert Aderholt recently recognized two individuals from Northeast Alabama for their lifelong achievements and contributions. Attorney Bob French was honored during a recent DeKalb County Commission meeting for his military service and legal Career. French is an Air Force Veteran of the Korean Conflict. In Marshall County, Jean Brewer was recognized for her lifetime of service and leadership in the community. $25,000 SCHOLARSHIP - Sylvania's Clayton Dalton recently earned Runner-Up (2nd Place) in the National Space Club and Foundation competition. He will receive a $25,000 scholarship and will go to Washington, D.C. on March 13 to attend the National Space Club dinner. AGENT SHOT - A Special Agent assigned to ALEA’s SWAT Team was struck by gunfire during an officer- involved shooting incident on Feb. 11 in Montgomery.
On January 16, a DeKalb County Deputy stopped a vehicle on Highway 68 for swerving. Upon making contact with the driver, he identified himself as Jonathan Paul Gilbert (46 of Collinsville). While on the stop a DeKalb County K9 Unit was deployed and alerted on the vehicle. During a search, Deputies found methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a firearm. Gilbert was arrested and transported to the jail. After arriving in the Jail, staff found used paraphernalia in his clothing. Gilbert was charged with DUI, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess Firearm, Promote Prison Contraband 2nd (x2), Tampering with Evidence, Resisting Arrest and Obstruction. On January 18, a Dekalb County Deputy was sent to an address on County Road 23 for an altered mental status. Upon arrival the Deputy made contact with a female suspect identified as Jennifer Alishae Tidmore (37 of Crossville). During a search, Tidmore was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The Drug and Major Crimes Unit was contacted and responded and Tidmore was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. On January 20, the Drug and Major Crimes Unit executed a search warrant on County Road 330 for Christopher Lance Burks (45 of Ider). During the search, Agents found Burks to be in possession of multiple firearms, marijuana, methamphetamine, steroids, THC vapes and drug paraphernalia. Burks was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x4), Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess Firearms (x2). On January 21, Ashley Kay Pittman (34 of Geraldine) was arrested for outstanding warrants. After she was taken to the DeKalb County Detention Center, Corrections Officers found her to be in possession of suboxone strips. Pittman was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. On January 22, a DeKalb County Deputy stopped a vehicle on County Road 140 for no tag lights. The driver was identified as George Charles Eastman (61 of Trenton, GA) and the passenger as Joseph Ryan Bradford (37 of Rising Fawn, GA). During the stop a DeKalb County K-9 Unit was deployed and after a positive alert, during a search Deputies found methamphetamine, cocaine and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. Bradford and Eastman were both charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x2) and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. On January 24, a DeKalb County Deputy came across a vehicle at the back of Deer Head Cove Cemetery. The driver was identified as Jammy Manuel Curtis (49 of South Pittsburg, TN) and the passenger as Megan Elizabeth Williams (37 of Ider). During the stop a DeKalb County K-9 Unit was deployed and alerted. During a search, Deputies found methamphetamine and marijuana in the vehicle. Curtis was charged with DUI, Possession w/Intent, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Williams was charged with Possession w/Intent, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Joe Jolley Insurance Agency LLC MILITARY ACADEMY NOMINEES - According to a newsletter from Congressman Robert Aderholt, the 2026 United States Service Academy nominees from Alabama’s Fourth District include: U.S. Military Academy (West Point) • Kate Seidel — Indian Springs School, Vinemont • Anglin Young — Northridge High School, Tuscaloosa • Cooper Scott — Albertville High School, Albertville U.S. Naval Academy • Ferrin Thorne — Tuscaloosa County HS, Northport • Eleanor Little — Homeschool, Northport • Ayden Gargis — Brooks High School, Killen U.S. Air Force Academy • Anglin Young According to Aderholt, the service academy nominations are highly competitive and reflect excellence in academics, character, leadership, and a desire to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. AUTO | HOME | LIFE | BUSINESS | MOTORIZED RECREATION
A traffic stop recently uncovered 600 gallons of diesel fuel and led to a multi-state fuel theft arrest. According to DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden, on Monday, February 2, at approximately 2:20 a.m. a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a U-HAUL van traveling eastbound on Highway 117 in Mentone near East River Road. During the traffic stop, the deputy noticed the driver was hauling large tanks containing approximately 600 gallons of diesel fuel stowed improperly within the rear of the van. The driver, identified as Michel Alvarez (age 42 of Los Angeles, CA), did not possess a CDL or have any of the proper paperwork or documentation required to haul Motor Vehicle Fuel in the state of Alabama. “This traffic stop uncovered a large, multi- state fuel theft operation that posed a serious threat to public safety. Because of the Deputy’s attention to detail, a dangerous situation was prevented and helped stop illegal activity at truck stops across the country.” During a subsequent search of the vehicle, a bag containing electrical switches, wiring, remotes, and battery packs was found which raised suspicions when coupled with such a large amount of diesel fuel in close proximity. The Dekalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit, Mentone Police Department, The
Submitted Photo
Michel Alvarez
Sixteen Arrested For Drugs Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Giving False Name and Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess Firearm.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation were all notified and responded to the scene to assist. Investigators later learned that Alvarez was conducting a sophisticated multi-state diesel fuel theft which consisted of illegally hijacking diesel pumps at truck stops across the country. Alvarez had traveled from New Jersey down the east coast gaining access to an unknown number of diesel fuel pumps to essentially "scam" the pumps into dispensing fuel without paying. At the conclusion of the initial investigation, Alvarez was arrested and charged with Felony Unlawful Motor Vehicle Fuel Transport, Receiving Stolen Property 1st, and Possession of Burglary Tools. The Department of Homeland Security was also notified and are assisting in this case. This is an ongoing investigation, and other charges may be pending.
$250,000 Bond Set For Sex Offender
According to authorities, an Alabama man has been arrested traveling to meet a child for Unlawful sex, as well as Rape and Sodomy. The Fort Payne Police Department reported that on February 3, warrants were issued for the arrest of Joseph Michael Holmes age 38 from Lafayette, AL for the charges of Traveling to Meet a Child for an Unlawful Sex Act, Rape 2nd, and Sodomy 2nd. With assistance from the Chambers County Sheriff Office, Holmes was arrested and transferred to Fort Payne City Jail on February 4. According to a press release, evidence was obtained that Holmes had been communicating with a victim online and traveled to Fort Payne to meet the victim more than once. Once law enforcement identified the suspect, it was discovered he is a registered sex offender in Chambers County, AL for prior rape and sodomy crimes against children. On February 5, Holmes went before the District Court of Dekalb County for his initial appearance, where he was given a
bond of $250,000 and transported to the Dekalb County Detention Center. “I want to thank our officers and investigators for their quick and hard work in helping bring Holmes to justice. I want to thank our District Attorney’s Office for their work and dedication to help with the continued fight against crimes and exploitation of children. I would like to also thank the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office for their quick response in helping locate and arresting Holmes,” said Fort Payne Police Chief David Davis. Submitted Photo Joseph M. Holmes
8563 US Highway 431 Albertville, AL
Owner/Agent
10831 US Highway 431 North Albertville, AL 35950 Email: Joeinsurance@att.net |Phone: 256-878-5454|Fax: 256-878-5315
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