Smithville, TN — A comprehensive undercover drug operation conducted over several months by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Smithville Police Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, has led to the indictment of multiple individuals on charges of narcotics sales, including methamphetamine.
The operation culminated in a special session of the DeKalb County Grand Jury on August 12, which returned sealed indictments against the accused. Several arrests have already been made, with more expected as authorities continue their crackdown. The individuals involved are scheduled for arraignment in criminal court on August 21.
Sheriff Patrick Ray and Police Chief Mark Collins initiated the joint task force earlier this year to pool resources and improve coordination on drug-related investigations. “Combining our efforts helps each department stay informed and responsive to the ongoing drug issues in our community,” Ray stated. “Our continued collaboration is essential for effectively addressing these challenges.”
The sheriff also highlighted the logistical difficulties of managing drug roundups, given the limited jail capacity in the county. With only 52 certified beds, the sheriff’s office often has to make strategic decisions about whom to detain to avoid overcrowding. “We cannot bring in large numbers at once without exceeding our capacity, which complicates our operations,” explained Ray.
The jail currently outsources 27 inmates to other facilities, with costs ranging from $45 to over $55 per inmate per day. “It’s a significant expense,” Ray noted. “Yet, keeping space available for daily arrests and medical watches is crucial, even when managing these large-scale operations against drug traffic.”
The defendants facing charges have been implicated in the sale and delivery of methamphetamine, among other substances. Notable cases include 55-year-old Alphonso Dewayne Maynard and 50-year-old Shawn Edward Soales, both from Smithville, with bonds set at $75,000 and $125,000 respectively. Ricky Lee Dowell, 65, also of Smithville, faces multiple charges for dealing methamphetamine and Buprenorphine, with his bond set at $150,000.
Moreover, younger defendants like 32-year-old Joshua McAllen Beckham and 30-year-old Richard Wayne Norrod face substantial charges for the sale of methamphetamine, reflecting the wide age range of those involved in the narcotics trade.
Rural communities like Smithville are especially vulnerable to the spread of narcotics, putting additional pressure on local law enforcement to adapt their strategies. Sheriff Ray expressed a determined stance despite the obstacles: “We are committed to curbing the flow of drugs in our county. It’s a tough battle, especially with limited resources, but one we cannot afford to lose.”
The sheriff’s office plans to continue its aggressive stance on drug trafficking with ongoing investigations and collaborations with state agencies, ensuring sustained efforts to dismantle narcotics networks operating within and around DeKalb County.
This case not only underscores the persistent problem of drug trafficking in rural America but also illustrates the complexities local law enforcement faces in balancing the need for effective law enforcement with logistic and financial constraints.