PAGE 12 April 2022
"If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under." _Ronald Reagan
March was a busy month for the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
The month of March was busy for authorities. According to DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden, during the month 39 people were arrested. Law enforcement also found 851 grams of methamphetamine, 2162 grams marijuana, 3 grams synthetic marijuana, one stolen firearm and they were involved in two vehicle pursuits. On March 1, Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 40 in the Henagar area, finding the driver and passenger to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Damon Patrick Ford (43 of Henagar) and Melinda Benson Davis (44 of Soddy Daisy, Tn) were both charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. On March 2, Narcotics Agents conducted a traffic stop on County Road 180. With the help of our K-9 Unit, a search of the vehicle resulted in finding methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Christopher Daniel Jones (32 of Rainsville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Also on March 2, Officers with Ider Police Department conducted a traffic stop within the Ider city limts. During a search, 22 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and an altered firearm were found. Devin Scott Speakman (25 of Collinsville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Altered Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and one warrant for Failure to Appear. In a separate traffic stop on County Road 6 in Collinsville, deputies found the driver to be in possession of over 300 grams of methamphetamine. Timothy T Byars (37 of Kingston, GA) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Trafficking in an Illegal Drug. In a fourth incident on March 2, Narcotics Agents conducted a traffic stop on County Road 51 in Collinsville. The agents found methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, synthetic marijuana and prescription pills. Christopher M Smith (48 of Crossville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x2), Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 1st and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bradley Ray Watwood (41 of Boaz) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x2) and six Failure to Appear warrants. On March 3, Narcotics Agents conducted a traffic stop on suspicion of DUI. It was confirmed that the driver was in fact under the influence and the K-9 Unit discovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. Jeremy Lee Nix (39 of Fort Payne) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, DUI (Controlled Substance) and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. On March 5, officers with Crossville Police Department contacted an individual in a gas station parking lot they suspected was under the influence. After speaking with the subject, and him giving the officers false information, it was confirmed alcohol was a factor. Orlando Ramon Wright (32 of Atlanta, GA) was charged with Giving False ID to LE Officers, Public Intoxication, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance. On March 6, DeKalb County Deputies, along with Sylvania, Henagar and Narcotics Agents responded to a residence onCountyRoad 47, concerning several complaints about a large party. Jared Kane Johnson (21 of Section) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 1st and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. On March 7, after Narcotics Agents arrived at the Dollar Store in Fyffe to speak to a subject, they had received information on, they found him to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Jeffery Thomas George (49 of Fyffe) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Also, on March 7, Narcotics Agents responded to a residence on Nottingham Lane in Fyffe, concerning several complaints of illegal drug use. While there, Agents found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Phillip Chance Culpepper (28 of Fyffe) and James Matthew Morris Jr (26 of Fyffe) were both charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. In a third incident on March 7, an Officer with Henagar Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 40 and Hwy 75 in Henagar finding ZaZa and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. Jessica Wood (39 of Fort Payne) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (x2). On March 8, Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 68 near the Gap Express in Crossville. During the stop, methamphetamine, suboxone,marijuana, drugparaphernalia and a pistol, that was confirmed stolen, was found in the vehicle. Nicholas Rounsaville (20 of Chattanooga, TN) and Emily Christine Johnson (25 of Chattanooga, TN) were both charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x2), Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 1st, Receiving Stolen Property 2nd and Carrying Concealed Weapon. On March 9, DeKalb County Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 75 near County Road 33 in Fyffe. Methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found in the vehicle. Jeremy Morris (43 of Fyffe) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 1st and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Sonya Slaton Whitten (49 of Fyffe) was charged with Unlawful Possession with Intent, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 1st, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Promote Prison Contraband 2nd. After Whitten had arrived to the Detention Center, she was found to be in possession of approximately 17 grams of methamphetamine. On March 11, Narcotics Agents, along with Officers from Fyffe and Rainsville Police Departments were driving on County Road 72 and Davis Road in Fyffe looking for a subject who had run from them. A female subject, who appeared to be under the influence, stepped into the roadway cursing and making hand gestures at the officers. Whitney
Dannelle York (28 of Fyffe) was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Public Intoxication and Resisting Arrest. Also, on March 11, DeKalb County Deputies were contacted by Jackson County Deputies, that they had a subject in custody who had outstanding warrants with DeKalb County. After Deputies arrived at the DeKalb County Detention Center with John David Sycks Jr (25 of Rainsville) he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Sycks was charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (x2), Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Promote Prison Contraband 2nd and seven Failure to Appear warrants. In a third incident on March 11, Narcotics Agents conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 227 in Geraldine. During the stop, the odor of marijuana was omitting from the vehicle. The driver was found to be in possession of marijuana, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Stanley Legene Bruce (53 of Crossville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 1st and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. On March 13, Narcotics Agents conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 68 near County Road 881, finding the driver to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Cleveland Bailey Brown (24 of Boaz) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. On March 15, Narcotics Agents responded to a residence on County Road 8 in Crossville, after several complaints of illegal drug use. When Agents entered the residence, they found a large marijuana grow operation. Once dismantled, there were 191 marijuana plants, ½lb methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia found in the residence. Stanley Legene Bruce (53 of Crossville) and Gary Plunkett (56 of Crossville) were charged with Trafficking in Any Illegal Drug (x2), Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Manufacture of a Controlled Substance. This case is ongoing. On March 18, officers with Powell Police Department conducted a traffic stop in Powells and identifying the driver to have active warrants with the DCSO. The driver was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Ryan Edward Wilson (34 of Scottsboro) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. On March 19, officers with Fyffe Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Sherwood Boulevard and Hwy 75 in Fyffe finding ZaZa, which is illegal and a controlled substance, in the vehicle. Hillary Dawn Burt Dornhecker (30 of Rainsville) and Rena Lestie Vanpevenage (28 of Fyffe) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. On March 22, officers with Crossville Police Department conducted a traffic stop onHwy 68 in Crossville. During the stop methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and assorted prescription pills were found within the vehicle. Misty Marie Wiley (46 of Guntersville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Illegal Possession of Prescription Drugs. Also, on March 22, Officers with Powell Police Department conducted a traffic stop in Rainsville finding the driver to be in possession of Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Jerome Jackson George (37 of Ellijay, GA) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. In a third incident on March 22, DeKalb County Deputies, along with officers with Fort Payne Police Department, encountered an individual that was suspected to be under the influence at a convenient store in Fort Payne. Jarvis Irwin Crutcher (28 of Toney) was found to be in possession of a firearm as well as being a convicted felon. Crutcher was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest, Promote Prison Contraband 2nd, Public Intoxication, Persons Forbidden to Possess Pistol and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd. On March 24, officers with Collinsville Police Department responded to call of someone trespassing at a business in Collinsville. When Officers arrived, they found Andre Ladon Orr (49 of Collinsville). Orr was found to be in possession of synthetic marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Orr was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Criminal Trespass 3rd. On March 28, an Officer with Powell Police Department contacted DeKalb County Narcotics Agents about a subject they had pulled over that had an outstanding warrant. This individual was also found in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Kelley Wayne Anderson (44 of Section) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and one Failure to Appear warrant. On March 31, an officer with Geraldine Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 227 in Geraldine finding the driver to be in possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and brass knuckles. Rickey Ethan Powell (21 of Gadsden) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Carrying Brass Knuckles/Sling Shot. More charges could be pending.
Teen Swimmer Inspires Others Gabe Marsh of Guntersville
By Josh Bean AHSAA Senior Gabe Marsh of Guntersville High School inspires others every day. Everyone, from parents to teachers to classmates, see it. Gabe learned to accept the stares and embrace how his mere presence inspires others. He was born with no legs and one arm. His mother immediately put him up for adoption, and he joined his adopted parents before he was a week old. “He’s unintentionally been a hero to who knows how many,” said Matt Holaday. “You know, he just is. He’s just digging life. He’s not trying to be a hero. He just loves living. He gets after it. He’s just one of those you just love being around. He’s not trying to be a showboat either. He just does it. He’s one of the finest fellas I’ve ever known, not because he’s overcome so much, but because he’s just a good dude.” Marsh is preparing to graduate from Guntersville High after a standout youth and high school swimming career. He begrudgingly uses a motorized wheelchair at school, but prefers a scooter powered by his left arm when going just about anywhere else. Gabe is one of 52 seniors selected as a 2022 Bryant- Jordan Foundation Regional Student Achievement winner. Each will receive a $3,000 scholarship from the Bryant-Jordan Foundation with an opportunity to receive much, much more. “He doesn’t realize he’s handicapped,” said Ann Marsh, his adopted mom. “He does not want to be handicapped, and he doesn’t feel like he is handicapped. He feels like he’s just like everybody else.” The best example of this attitude. “He does not like to use a wheelchair, period,” she said. Gabe voiced a deep appreciation for a long list of people who helped him – some in small ways, others in big ways – and believes finding personal success will repay them for their kindness and direction. He also credits his deep Christian faith, encouraged by his parents’ devotion, for helping him cope with his personal challenges. As soon as he was born, Mrs. Marsh recalls, others pitied Gabe because of his physical challenges. But he quickly developed an independent streak and the Marsh family nurtured it by “treating him just like the
other kids,” she said. The Marshes, now in their 70s, have adopted 10 children and fostered dozens more. They were known for welcoming children with physical challenges or medical needs and adopted another child with Down syndrome. Gabe said he remembers people staring at him as long as he can remember. He reacted with “righteous anger” to motivate him. “I never really had doubts with myself,” he said. The best example of his self-confidence involves his swimming career. Marsh believed every child should learn how to swim. She usually taught them at age 4. “I was the only one she couldn’t teach,” Gabe said. Gabe, of course, largely self-taught himself how to swim and embraced it. He later swam with the local club in northeast Alabama and on the high school level. At first, everyone marveled at Gabe’s ability to swim. “Now, we think nothing of it,” Ann Marsh said. “It’s no big deal. But other people …” Gabe dreams of eventually earning a spot on the U.S. Paralympic Swim Team, perhaps as early as 2024. “He’s inspirational to so many people when they see him swim,” his mom said. “He’s been to several churches and youth groups, and he’s talked to them as a motivational speaker. He’s just an awesome kid.” Gabe plans to attendSnead State Community College in the fall before eventually studying theology with the goal of serving in Christian ministry. He also wants to continue as a motivational speaker. As Gabe pointed out, the first task for any speaker involves grabbing the audience’s attention. His appearance – no legs and only one arm– accomplishes that task immediately. “I kind of want to be the best speaker in the world,” Gabe said. Gabe said his favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Gabe, who is known as “Mr. Journalism” at school for his work with the local newspaper, said he can continue to inspire a wider audience through public speaking, even as he motivates people in his hometown every day.
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