July 25, 2023
By: Dwayne Page
Two family members, a man and woman have been charged with domestic assault after a physical confrontation between the two on July 15.
18-year-old Brayden Ferrell of Short Mountain Highway and 36-year-old Jennifer Ferrell of South College Street will make a court appearance in August. Brayden is under a $4,500 bond and Jennifer’s bond is $2,500. He will be in court August 8. Her court date is August 3.
Chief Deputy Brian Williams of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department said that on July 15 a deputy was called to 9975 Short Mountain Highway due to a domestic assault complaint and spoke with Brayden and Jennifer and learned that the two of them had allegedly hit and pushed each other during a physical altercation. Jennifer had abrasions and a cut to her leg area as well as a possible broken wrist. Brayden had red marks and blood on his chest area and left arm. Because both sustained injuries, the primary aggressor could not be determined, and each was charged in the case.
44-year-old Rachel Spurlock of West Broad Street, Smithville is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver. Her bond is $20,000 and she will be in court August 10. Chief Deputy Williams said that on July 17 a deputy was on patrol when he spotted Spurlock on Bright Hill Road. Knowing that she had an active warrant against her, the deputy placed her in custody. After arriving at the jail, Spurlock underwent a pat down search by a correctional officer during which a small baggie was found in the left side pocket of her shorts containing a white crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine which weighed 1.15 grams.
42-year-old Charles Markum, Jr. of Lonnie Cantrell Road, Smithville is charged with aggravated assault. His bond is $15,000 and he will be in court August 3. Chief Deputy Williams said that on July 14 a deputy was summoned to 1659 Lonnie Cantrell Road due to a report of a domestic assault. Upon arrival the officer spoke with Markum, the victim, and other witnesses and learned that Markum allegedly assaulted his uncle by hitting him in the facial area and ribs causing lacerations, bruising, swelling, and a broken orbital bone. Markum was determined to have been the primary aggressor.
34-year-old Maranda Smith of Avant Circle is charged with driving on a revoked or suspended license and bringing contraband into a penal institution. Her bond totals $17,500 and she will be in court on August 3. Chief Deputy Williams said that on July 17 a deputy pulled over a gray Dodge Caravan driven by Smith. The officer knew that Smith’s license was revoked, and he confirmed it through a background check with central dispatch. She was then placed in custody. Upon arrival at the sally port of the jail, Smith was asked by correctional officers if she had anything on her. Smith replied that she may have a pipe and other miscellaneous paraphernalia in her bra. She then produced from her bra an empty baggie with white residue. Smith claimed that is all she had and that the pipe must have fallen out. As she entered the jail correctional officers conducted a further search of her and found a baggie of a white powdery substance.
51-year-old Scott Rice is charged with violation of bond conditions. His bond is $5,000 and he will make a court appearance on August 10. Chief Deputy Williams said that on July 18 a deputy was dispatched to Cedar Drive due to a domestic complaint. Upon arrival he spoke with Rice and a woman who stated they had gotten into an argument. The woman said as she tried to call 911 Rice grabbed the phone and wouldn’t let her leave. A background check through central dispatch revealed that Rice was under bond conditions and that this offense violated the terms of those conditions.
33-year-old Zachary Fish of McMinnville is charged with resisting arrest. His bond is $3,500 and he will make a court appearance on August 10. Chief Deputy Williams said that on July 23 an officer had a casual encounter with Fish and asked him his name. Fish gave his name after which the officer learned that Fish had an active warrant against him in Warren County. The deputy later came across Fish again on Fisher Avenue and asked for his date of birth. Fish refused to answer and tried to flee on foot. He was subsequently arrested.