May 24, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
The Alexandria Police Department has made five drug arrests within the last month while charges have been brought against two others for driving under the influence and one man is facing a forgery offense.
In his monthly crime report, Alexandria Police Chief Travis Bryant said that 28-year-old Katie Turner of Lower Helton Road, Alexandria is charged with possession of a schedule I drug (MDMA), simple possession of a schedule VI drug (marijuana), possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia, and a violation of the light law. According to Chief Bryant, on April, 20 police stopped a vehicle on Brush Creek Highway for a light law violation. As the officer spoke with the driver, Turner, he detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A subsequent search turned up in the front center console a small baggie containing a white powdery substance believed to be MDMA along with several items consistent with the use of narcotics. A baggie of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana was found in Turner’s purse. Her bond was set at $25,000.
38-year-old Jennifer Johnson of Old Highway 53, Liberty is charged with manufacture, delivery, sale, or possession of a schedule IV drug (pills), a schedule II drug (methamphetamine), two counts of simple possession of a schedule IV drug, and a schedule V drug, driving in possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving on a suspended license. Chief Bryant said that on April 22, while investigating a suspicious vehicle on Brush Creek Highway, an officer spoke with Johnson at the scene. According to Chief Bryant, Johnson, stated that her license was suspended, and narcotics were in the vehicle. A search revealed approximately 5.15 grams of a white crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine, and other drugs believed to be the following: a baggie containing 29 pills (5mg Valium), a pill (10mg Valium), a pill (clonazepam), and two pills (gabapentin). Several items consistent with the sale, use, and delivery of narcotics were also found during the search. Johnson was unable to provide a prescription. Her bond was set at $37,500.
30-year-old Amber Gambill of Windham Drive Smithville is charged with a first offense of driving under the influence. Chief Bryant said that on May 5 police spotted a vehicle on Nashville Highway drive into the opposite lane and the grass on that side. The officer stopped the automobile, spoke with the driver Gambill, and detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle. Gambill said she had been drinking but refused to submit to field sobriety tests. Her bond was set at $2,000.
52-year-old Larry House of New Hope Road, Alexandria is charged with a first offense of driving under the influence and possession of a handgun while under the influence. Chief Bryant said that on May 1, police stopped a vehicle for driving erratically within the city limits of Alexandria. The officer stopped the automobile, spoke with the driver House, and detected an odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle. House’s speech was slurred. After being asked to exit the vehicle to perform field sobriety tests, House came out with a firearm on him. House submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tests. His bond was set at $6,000.
53-year-old Steven Curtis of Upper Helton Road, Alexandria is charged with manufacture, delivery, sale, or possession of a schedule II drug (Oxycodone), simple possession of a schedule VI drug (marijuana) and possession of drug paraphernalia. Chief Bryant said that on May 8, police stopped Curtis on East Main Street for a traffic violation. During the stop the officer found a bottle containing 27 small blue pills believed to be Oxycodone and a small baggie weighing 11.19 grams of a green leafy substance thought to be marijuana. Several items consistent with the use of narcotics were also located. Bond for Curtis was set at $20,000.
59-year-old Michelle Curtis of Upper Helton Road, Alexandria is cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. Chief Bryant said that on May 8, Curtis was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by police for a traffic violation. As the officer spoke with her, he discovered Curtis to be in possession of items consistent with the use of narcotics. Curtis was issued a citation and will appear in court on May 24.
21-year-old Hunter Dodson of Shenandoah Trail, Lebanon is charged with manufacture, delivery, sale, and possession of a schedule II drug (methamphetamine), possession of a handgun during a felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Chief Bryant said that on May 11 police stopped a vehicle for a speeding on Nashville Highway. While speaking with the driver, Dodson, the officer spotted in plain view drug paraphernalia in the back seat. He then searched the vehicle and recovered 2 grams of a white crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine and a loaded Springfield 1911 handgun. During the encounter, Dodson admitted that he had been selling methamphetamine. Also found in the vehicle were other items consistent with the sale and delivery of narcotics. His bond is set at $41,500 and he will appear in court on May 30.
35-year-old Sarah Ferrell of Poplar Hill Road, Watertown is charged with manufacture, delivery, sale, and possession of a schedule II drug (methamphetamine). Chief Bryant said that on May 18, police stopped Ferrell for a traffic violation and while speaking with her, noticed on the floorboard, a cigarette case with a baggie protruding from it. When asked what the items were, Ferrell stated that it was her medication. As she pulled the medication bottle out, the officer observed Ferrell trying to push the baggie back inside the cigarette case. A search of the case revealed a baggie containing a white crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine. Her bond was set at $8,000 and she will appear in court on May 30.
23-year-old Nathan Dovell of Cookeville is charged with forgery. Chief Bryant said that on May 17, police were dispatched to Wilson Bank & Trust in Alexandria where, according to bank employees, Dovell had entered the bank with a forged check and had attempted to cash it. Police also learned from bank staff that Dovell had just cashed another check in the same amount at the Smithville bank location earlier that day. His bond was set at $10,000 and he will appear in court on May 30.