FORT PAYNE, Ala. - On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Detectives from Lee County Sheriff's Office in Fort Myers, Florida contacted the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Unit for assistance in locating two runaway female juveniles in which they had received intel showing the juveniles were possibly at an address near Kilpatrick. Investigators and deputies went to the address and were able to locate the juveniles. The Alabama Department of Human Resources was contacted and the juveniles were turned over to the juvenile authorities and will be returned to Florida.
During the investigation, Aura Sanchez-Lopez (41 of Kilpatrick) was arrested and charged with Interference with Custody (x2) and Obstructing Government Operations (x2).
| Aura Sanchez-Lopez (41 of Kilpatrick) |
Evidence collected from the scene was turned over to the Lee County Sheriff's Office for analysis. This is an ongoing investigation and more charges are possible.
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: "I'm proud of the quick response taken by the Investigators in this case to safely locate the juveniles. I would like to thank the Lee County Sheriff's Office for reaching out to us so that the juveniles can be returned to their family in Florida, as well as the investigators and deputies who worked tirelessly to successfully locate these children. Children are the most precious gifts, and our agency will always do whatever it takes to protect them."
"God Bless!" Concluded Sheriff Welden.
FORT PAYNE, Ala. - On Monday, April 8th, the Dekalb County Criminal Investigation Division was contacted by Crossville Police Department regarding a burglary that had recently taken place in the town of Crossville. While taking the report, Crossville Officers had gathered good information on suspects that led to a residence on College Street. Surveillance on the residence was conducted by Investigators and Crossville police, and later in the day an Investigator made contact with the two suspects living at the residence.
A large amount of stolen property from the recently burglarized home was discovered on scene and after an investigation Rose Mary Payne (59 of Crossville) was charged with Burglary 3rd and Theft of Property 3rd. Jerry Dewane Plott (57 of Crossville) was also charged with Burglary 3rd and Theft of Property 3rd as well as Obstructing Justice Using False ID, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Tampering with Physical Evidence. Plott was also on Probation through another agency and had an active warrant for his arrest for Probation Violation. Both subjects were arrested on scene and booked into the Dekalb County Detention Center.
| Rose Mary Payne (59 of Crossville) | Jerry Dewane Plott (57 of Crossville) |
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: "The majority of the victim's stolen property was located at the subjects' residence by investigators and was able to be returned to the victim. The Criminal Investigation Division would like to thank Crossville Police Department for their good work on bringing this case to a close as well as the Dekalb County Sheriff's Office Maintenance division for their assistance in the logistics of getting the property returned to its rightful owner."
"God Bless!" Concluded Sheriff Welden.
FORT PAYNE, Ala. - During the month of March 1454 grams of methamphetamine, 89 grams of marijuana, 13 grams of fentanyl, 3 gram of cocaine, 13 grams of synthetic marijuana and 27 prescription narcotic pills were confiscated, along with 17 individuals arrested on drug related charged. As always, we could not have done it without the help from Officers with Geraldine, Fyffe, Sylvania, Henagar, Rainsville, Powell, Ider and Collinsville PD's, DeKalb County Deputies, SRO's and Narcotics Agents, DeKalb Ambulance Service and Alabama Pardons and Parole.
On Friday, March 1st, DeKalb County Deputies and Officers with Geraldine PD conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 75 at Hwy 227 finding the driver to be in possession of a marijuana, cocaine, drug paraphernalia and a firearm. Paul Anthony Gordon (58 of Albertville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd and Person Forbidden to Possess Pistol.
| Paul Anthony Gordon (58 of Albertville) |
Again, on Friday, DeKalb County Deputies stopped a vehicle on County Road 85 for a tag violation. During the stop, it was discovered that the driver Danny Lemar Wallace (50 of Valley Head) had active warrants with Ider PD. Marijuana was found during a search of the vehicle. Wallace was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 1st and 1 warrant for Failure to Appear.
| Danny Lemar Wallace (50 of Valley Head) |
On Sunday, March 3rd, Officers with Fyffe PD made a traffic stop on Hwy 75, near County Road 76, finding the driver to be in possession of methamphetamine. Savannah Grace Smith (23 of Fyffe) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
| Savannah Grace Smith (23 of Fyffe) |
On Tuesday, March 5th, Officers with Sylvania PD attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Blue Pond Blvd near 7th Street. The driver refused to stop and led Officers on a short pursuit which ended on County Road 506 after the driver lost control and spun off the roadway., Officers with Henagar and Rainsville PD arrived to assist. The female passenger in the vehicle was checked out and cleared by DAS on scene. During a search of the vehicle, methamphetamine and marijuana were found. Travis Ray Jordan (25 of Ider) was charged with Attempt to Elude, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd and 2 warrants for Failure to Appear. Stephanie Jean Wheeler (44 of Sylvania) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
| Travis Ray Jordan (25 of Ider) | Stephanie Jean Wheeler (44 of Sylvania) |
On Wednesday, March 13th, Officers with Powell PD conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 35 finding the driver in possession of methamphetamine. Billy Joe Bong (45 of Dutton) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and 1 warrant for Failure to Appear.
| Billy Joe Bong (45 of Dutton) |
Again, on Wednesday, Officers with Ider PD conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 75 for a tag violation. The driver Maggie Elizabeth Griffis (39 of Pisgah) had active warrants with Jackson County. Griffis was found to be in possession of prescription narcotics that she had no prescription for. Griffis was charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substances.
| Maggie Elizabeth Griffis (39 of Pisgah) |
On Thursday, March 14th, Officers with Sylvania PD went to a residence on Hulsey Road in Sylvania to serve a warrant. Officers identified Melissa Leshae Biddle (43 of Henagar) and found her in possession of methamphetamine and prescription narcotics that she did not have a prescription for. Biddle was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and 3 warrants for Failure to Appear.
| Melissa Leshae Biddle (43 of Henagar) |
Again, on Thursday, DeKalb County Deputies responded to County Road 804 in Flat Rock on a report of a female having a gun trying to get into a residence and possibly being under the influence. Deputies arrived finding Ashia Nicole Dagnan (32 of Trenton, Ga) trying to enter the residence. Dagnan was found in possession of methamphetamine, controlled medication, marijuana and a pellet gun. Dagnan was charged with Domestic Violence 3rd, Harassment, Violation of Protection Order, Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substance, Illegal Possession of Prescription Drugs, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Interfere with DV Emergency Call.
| Ashia Nicole Dagnan (32 of Trenton, Ga) |
On Friday, March 15th, DeKalb County Deputies responded to a residence on County Road 33 on a possible overdose. Upon arrival, Deputies administered Narcan to the victim who then became responsive and refused any medical treatment. During a search, fentanyl, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found. Derrick Lane Moody (32 of Fyffe) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x2) and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Misty Dawn Moody (48 of Fyffe) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
| Derrick Lane Moody (32 of Fyffe) | Misty Dawn Moody (48 of Fyffe) |
On Sunday, March 17th, Officers with Fyffe PD conducted a traffic stop on County Road 50 and County Road 44 in Fyffe for littering. The driver was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Bradley Craig Allen (44 of Douglasville, Ga) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
| Bradley Craig Allen (44 of Douglasville, Ga) |
On Monday, March 18th, Narcotics Agents went to a residence on County Road 48 to execute a warrant. Upon arrival, James David Sisk (41 of Fyffe) led Agents on a short foot pursuit and was combative when detained. During a search, Sisk was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Sisk was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Resisting Arrest, Attempt to Elude (x2) Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and 2 warrants for Failure to Appear.
| James David Sisk (41 of Fyffe) |
Again, on Monday, DeKalb County Deputies, along with Officers with Collinsville PD conducted a Driver's License check point on County Road 51 and County Road 12. During the check point, Raymond Lee Gibson (53 of Rainsville) pulled up, giving the Officers a false name. After identifying Gibson, they found that he also had warrants with DCSO. As Officers were placing Gibson under arrest, he tossed a bag to the ground containing fentanyl and methamphetamine and tried covering it with his foot. Gibson was charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Trafficking in any Illegal Drug, Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substance, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Use False ID to Obstruct Justice and 2 warrants for Failure to Appear.
| Raymond Lee Gibson (53 of Rainsville) |
On Wednesday, March 20th, Plainview School's SRO detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from within a vehicle while in the school pick up line. When confronted, Hubert Craig Bodiford (51 of Rainsville) handed the marijuana over to the SRO. Bodiford was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 1st.
| Hubert Craig Bodiford (51 of Rainsville) |
On Thursday, March 21st, DeKalb County Deputies responded to County Road 140 to a call of a white male slumped over the steering wheel of a vehicle with the car still in drive. Upon arrival, Deputies positioned their vehicle in a way to where the driver could not accelerate into the roadway when he came to. Deputies could see signs of drug use and fearing the driver had overdosed, busted the window to administer medical aid. When the driver came to, he was checked out by DAS but refused any medical attention. Zachary Blake Powell (32 of Henagar) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and DUI (controlled substance).
| Zachary Blake Powell (32 of Henagar) |
On Wednesday, March 27th, Alabama Pardons and Paroles went to a residence on County Road 127 in Fort Payne to conduct a home visit. While there, Terry Wayne Knight (47 of Fort Payne) was identified as having active warrants with DCSO. While Deputies were taking Knight into custody, they noticed he was trying to hide a bag containing methamphetamine under his foot. Knight was charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and 9 warrants for Failure to Appear.
| Terry Wayne Knight (47 of Fort Payne) |
From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden:
FORT PAYNE, Ala. -Thank you to DeKalb County Deputies and Narcotics Agents, along with Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force, Cherokee County K-9 Unit, Jackson County Deputies and officers with Ider, Fyffe, Crossville and Powell PD all for helping in the arrest of 24 individuals on drug related charges during the month of February. Also, a big thank you to DeKalb Ambulance Service and Department of Human Resources for always showing up to assist where we need you.
On Thursday, February 1st, Agents with the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force and DeKalb County Narcotics Unit were working in the area of Tabor Road when Agents noticed a white Buick passenger car that appeared to be lost, moving from residence to residence. Agents followed the vehicle and observed the driver crossing the center line. Agents conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Tabor Road and Cherokee County Road 1. During the stop, Agents identified the driver as Justin Lubbe (24 of Dallas, Ga). While speaking to Lubbe, Agents noticed inconsistencies in his statement and exhibiting extreme nervous behavior. Cherokee County's K-9 Unit arrived and deployed his K-9 which indicated a positive alert on the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, Agents recovered a kilo of methamphetamine, a trafficking amount of fentanyl, a pistol with altered serial numbers and drug paraphernalia. Lubbe was charged with Trafficking of Controlled Substance (x2), Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Altering Identification of Firearm. Lubbe was taken to Cherokee County Jail.
| Justin Lubbe (24 of Dallas, Ga) |
On Friday, February 2nd, DeKalb County Deputies, along with Ider Police Department were sent to County Road 792 and 958 about a trailer being in the roadway causing a traffic hazard. Upon arrival, Deputies saw two subjects cutting trees off the side of the mountain and had received several complaints of people cutting several thousands of dollars' worth of trees on private property. Deputies made contact with James Daniel Green (45 of Wildwood, Ga) and Stephanie Jean Wheeler (44 of Sylvania). During a search of the vehicle, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found. Green was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Tampering with Physical Evidence. Wheeler was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
| James Daniel Green (45 of Wildwood, Ga) | Stephanie Jean Wheeler (44 of Sylvania) |
On Saturday, February 3rd, Deputies were dispatched to County Road 804 about a subject trying to get into a residence. Upon arrival, Deputies made contact with Harold Lefelle Thompson (64 of Flat Rock) and while speaking with him noticed an odor of marijuana. Thompson was found in possession of marijuana and methamphetamine. Thompson was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd.
| Harold Lefelle Thompson (64 of Flat Rock) |
Also, on Saturday, Officers with Fyffe PD conducted a traffic stop at Hwy 75 and County Road 33 finding methamphetamine in the vehicle. Leonard Lee Otinger (49 of Section) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
| Leonard Lee Otinger (49 of Section) |
On Thursday, February 8th, Narcotics Agents observed two subjects enter a residence on Gault Ave N that they had active felony warrants on. When Agents went into the residence, they noticed a strong odor of marijuana. During a search, Agents found a trafficking amount of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Noah Blake Hunt (26 of Fort Payne) and Nathan William Brisendine (45 of Fort Payne) was charged with Trafficking in any Illegal Drug, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Michelle April Finley (49 of Fort Payne) was charged with Trafficking in any Illegal Drug, Obstructing Government Operations, Resisting Arrest and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Dustin Wayne Gass (40 of Valley Head) was charged with Trafficking in any Illegal Drug, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and one warrant for Failure to Appear. Bethany Faith Waldrop (27 of Valley Head) was charged with Trafficking in any Illegal Drug, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and three warrants for Failure to Appear.
| Noah Blake Hunt (26 of Fort Payne) | Nathan William Brisendine (45 of Fort Payne) | Michelle April Finley (49 of Fort Payne) | Dustin Wayne Gass (40 of Valley Head) | Bethany Faith Waldrop (27 of Valley Head) |
On Friday, February 9th, Jackson County Deputies, along with DeKalb County Deputies were in the area of County Road 43 and the County Line when they discovered a vehicle in the woods behind a cemetery. Deputies identified the occupants and both had active warrants through DeKalb County. Methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found in the vehicle. Tracey Lynn Stone (43 of Rainsville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd and four warrants for Failure to Appear. Jesse Barnes (47 of Rainsville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and one warrant for Failure to Appear.
| Tracey Lynn Stone (43 of Rainsville) | Jesse Barnes (47 of Rainsville) |
On Saturday, February 10th, DeKalb County Deputies were serving papers on County Road 50 in the Grove Oak area. While there, Deputies made contact with Timothy Harold Hosch (53 of Grove Oak) who smelled strongly of marijuana. At the residence, marijuana plants and drug paraphernalia were found. Grove Oak Fire was called to the scene to do a control burn of the grow operation. Hosch was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 1st and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
| Timothy Harold Hosch (53 of Grove Oak) |
On Tuesday, February 13th, Narcotics Agents went to a residence in the Sylvania area to serve a warrant on Tabetha Jordan Franklin (36 of Sylvania) for Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substance.
| Tabetha Jordan Franklin (36 of Sylvania) |
Also, on Tuesday, Narcotics were in the Powell area when a Be on The Lookout was given about a reckless driver. After the Agents pulled the vehicle over, cocaine and drug paraphernalia were found inside. Elizabeth Morris Lopez (51 of Crossville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
| Elizabeth Morris Lopez (51 of Crossville) |
On Thursday, February 15th, Offices with Crossville PD conducted a traffic stop on Main Street finding the driver to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Ty Aaron Harbour (31 of Crossville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Probation Violation and one warrant for Failure to Appear.
| Ty Aaron Harbour (31 of Crossville) |
On Friday, February 16th, Narcotics Agents responded to a residence on County Road 33 on a possible overdose. When Agents and Deputies arrived, they were advised that Narcan had been administered by DAS. After subject refused further treatment, he was placed under arrest. Blayden Lane Woodall (21 of Fyffe) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and two warrants for Failure to Appear.
| Blayden Lane Woodall (21 of Fyffe) |
On Wednesday, February 21st, Narcotics Agents went to a residence on Andrew Lee Drive in Henagar to conduct a search warrant. Methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found inside. Cory Matthew Frazier (44 of Henagar) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd and Resisting Arrest. Goldia Amanda Louise Henderson (50 of Section) and Landon Cole Frazier (41 of Henagar) were both charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd.
| Cory Matthew Frazier (44 of Henagar) | Goldia Amanda Louise Henderson (50 of Section) | Landon Cole Frazier (41 of Henagar) |
On Thursday, February 22nd, Officers with Powell PD responded to a call of a possible overdose. Upon arrival, Officers made contact with Autumn Sky Townsel (28 of Rainsville). Townsel refused medical treatment and was found in possession of fentanyl. Townsel was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession.
| Autumn Sky Townsel (28 of Rainsville) |
On Friday, February 23rd, DeKalb County Deputies was on County Road 821 in Geraldine when a vehicle driven by Tonya Lynn Dixon (38 of Collinsville) pull up and stopped in the road. After Dixon exited the vehicle, Deputies made contact with her detecting a strong odor of marijuana coming from within the vehicle, which also contained a small child. During a search, Deputies found marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Dixon was charged with Chemical Endangerment of Exposing a Child, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 1st. DHR was called to the scene to take the child.
| Tonya Lynn Dixon (38 of Collinsville) |
On Monday, February 26th, DeKalb County Deputies picked up Haley Diana Gamble (40 of Dutton) from a Jackson County Deputy who had arrested her on a DeKalb County Warrant. Once at the DeKalb County Detention Center, Gamble was found to be in possession of prescription pills she did not have prescriptions for. Gamble was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Theft of Property 4th and Theft of Property 3rd (x3).
| Haley Diana Gamble (40 of Dutton) |
On Thursday, February 29th, DeKalb County Deputies and a School Resource Officer were called to do a welfare check on children at a residence on County Road 9004. While there they located methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia while children were present. Narcotics Agents and DHR were called to assist with the case. Christopher John Hernandez (34 of Crossville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Chemical Endangerment of Exposing a Child, Chins/Causing Delinquency Dependent or Need of Supervision of Children.
| Christopher John Hernandez (34 of Crossville) |
From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden:
FORT PAYNE, Ala. - The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies and forensic experts, is pleased to announce the successful identification of a previously unidentified individual, commonly known as John Doe, whose skeletal remains were discovered in a wooded area near the intersection of County Road 51 and Alabama Highway 227 in rural DeKalb County, Alabama, on December 21, 1991.
The skeletal remains, initially found by a hunter, sparked a decades-long investigation involving the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation, the Alabama Department of Forensic Science, and the Fort Payne Police Department. Despite exhaustive efforts, including forensic analysis and nationwide inquiries, the identity of the deceased remained a mystery.
However, in late 2022, a breakthrough emerged when the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office was contacted by Mobile County Sheriff's Office genealogy analyst Olivia McCarter, proposing the use of investigative genetic genealogy to potentially identify John Doe. This innovative approach led to a collaborative effort between law enforcement and forensic experts, ultimately resulting in the identification of the individual.
In 2023, DNA samples extracted from the remains were sent to Intermountain Forensics, a non-profit laboratory in Salt Lake City, Utah, for analysis and whole-genome sequencing. Subsequently, the DNA data was uploaded to GEDMatch by Olivia McCarter and her team at Moxxy Forensic Investigations. This action yielded a close familial match, leading to the tentative identification of John Doe as Rainbow King of Tompkinsville, Kentucky.
Further investigation and coordination with living relatives of Rainbow King confirmed the identity. Chief Investigator Priscilla Padgett and Investigations Assistant Andrea Woodall traveled to Tompkinsville, Kentucky, accompanied by Monroe County Sheriff Dale Ford, to meet with the King family. A DNA sample collected during the meeting conclusively confirmed that the skeletal remains belonged to 22-year-old Rainbow Canyon King.
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: "This identification is the result of tireless efforts and collaboration between multiple agencies and experts, it underscores the importance of innovative forensic techniques in resolving cold cases and providing closure to families. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office extends its deepest gratitude to all individuals and agencies involved in this significant breakthrough. The identification of Rainbow Canyon King brings closure to a decades-old mystery and allows his family to finally lay him to rest. Our prayers and condolences go out to his family during this time."
"God Bless!" Concluded Sheriff Welden.
FORT PAYNE, Ala. - Dekalb County Sheriff's Office K9 Vulp will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Vulp's vest is sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and will be embroidered with the sentiment "In memory of K9 Hobbs, Des Moines, IA - EOW 12-12-23". Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,472 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $985 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: "Our K9s play a valuable role in Law Enforcement by locating suspects, helping in a search and rescue mission, detection of certain odors and protecting their handler. We are so grateful for this company and their dedication in protecting not only our four-legged hero, Vulp, but many others as well."
"God Bless!" Concluded Sheriff Welden.
FORT PAYNE, Ala. - DeKalb County Sheriff's Office received a complaint about a substitute teacher possibly having inappropriate relations with a student. The complaint was investigated by DeKalb County Sheriff's Office and today, Stephanie Mechelle Woods (45 of Henagar) has been arrested and booked into the DeKalb County Detention Center and charged with School Employee Engaging in a Sex Act with a Student under the age of 19 years.
| Stephanie Mechelle Woods (45 of Henagar) |
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: "I would like to thank our Investigations Unit and the Board of Education for their earnestness in getting this case taken care of. Our children have every right to feel safe at school, and parents have every right to expect it. Our children are our number 1 priority and we will protect them at all cost."
"God Bless!" Concluded Sheriff Welden.
From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden:
FORT PAYNE, Ala. - We have gotten together and compiled our yearly statistics for 2023. Our compilation consists of total miles driven, number of reports taken, to the number of hang ups answered.
Gathering all of this information not only helps the public see how hard we have worked to keep our community safe it also helps us see where we could make improvements and how we can better serve you.
Total Miles Driven: 711,121
Number of Calls: 6,137
Number of Reports: 2,689
Civil Papers Served: 2,106
Civil Papers Attempted: 2,330
Subpoenas Seved: 3160
Subpoenas Attempted: 1,068
Warrants Served: 2,330
Warrants Attempted: 370
Warrantless Arrests Made: 1,146
Assist Made: 1,146
Traffic Stops: 2879
911 Hang ups Answered: 434
Alarm Calls Answered: 779
Cases Closed: 2,211
Sex Offender Verification Checks: 534
Drug Cases: 399
NARCOTICS & INTERDICTION UNIT:
Methamphetamine Seized: 6,122.5 grams
Marijuana Seized: 2,527 grams
Spice Seized: 164 grams
Pills: 1,445 DU
Heroin: 6 grams
Cocaine: 68 grams
Fentanyl: 193 grams
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: "I am so appreciative of all of our men and women and how much hard work they put into their job. Being in Law Enforcement we make a pledge to serve and protect and seeing these numbers, I know we are upholding that pledge. Trying to keep drugs off the streets of our community seems like a never-ending battle, but I can assure you, we will continue this fight to keep this poison out of the hands of even just one of our loved ones hands, is a win in my book."
"God Bless!" Concluded Sheriff Welden.
From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden:
FORT PAYNE, Ala. - In the first month of 2024, Narcotics Agents have been busy. Agents have seized 600 grams of methamphetamine, 3168 grams of marijuana, 2 grams of cocaine, 103 DU of controlled pills, 1 gram of spice and executed 2 search warrants. These cases are still ongoing with several arrests pending. DeKalb County Deputies, Sylvania PD, Collinsville PD, Jackson County Narcotics Unit and North End Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force have assisted in the cases for the month of January.
On Saturday, January 6th, Officers with Collinsville PD made a traffic stop on Hwy 68 finding Christian Terrazas Sanchez (29 of Fort Payne) in possession of cocaine. Sanchez was charged with DUI (Alcohol) and Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance.
| Christian Terrazas Sanchez (29 of Fort Payne) |
On Tuesday January 9th, Officers with Powell PD conducted a traffic stop finding the driver to be in possession of methamphetamine. Dustin Labron Bell (37 of Livingston, Mo) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
| Dustin Labron Bell (37 of Livingston, Mo) |
On Saturday, January 13th, Officers with Sylvania PD stopped a vehicle on County Road 108. During the stop, methamphetamine was found in the vehicle. Goldia Amanda Louise Henderson (49 of Section) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
| Goldia Amanda Louise Henderson (49 of Section) |
On Sunday, January 21st, Officers with Sylvania PD conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 75. As Officers approached the vehicle, the odor of marijuana was detected coming from inside the vehicle. Marijuana and methamphetamine were found during a search. Alex Davi Walter (30 of Sylvania) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd.
| Alex Davi Walter (30 of Sylvania) |
On Tuesday, January 23rd, Narcotics Agents conducted a traffic stop on County Road 47 finding the driver to be in possession of methamphetamine. Bacardi Treven Ayers (52 of Huntsville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
| Bacardi Treven Ayers (52 of Huntsville) |
On Friday, January 26th, Offices with Sylvania PD stopped a vehicle for being in the wrong lane of travel on County Road 685 in Sylvania. As Officers approached the vehicle, they could smell marijuana coming from within. During a search, kratom, oxycodone and hydrocodone were found, which neither had a prescription for. Rick Anthony Ray Owens (41 of Ider) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Melissa Sue Choate (39 of Sylvania) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x2) and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
| Rick Anthony Ray Owens (41 of Ider) | Melissa Sue Choate (39 of Sylvania) |
On Saturday, January 27th, DeKalb County Deputies stopped a vehicle on Hwy 75 near County Road 141 for a speeding violation. When the vehicle pulled over, a white male identified as Ronald Michael Wayne Davis (30 of Flat Rock), exited the vehicle resisting as Deputies tried placing him under arrest. During a search of the vehicle, a firearm and controlled prescription medication was found that was not prescribed to him. Davis was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Persons Forbidden to Possess Pistol, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Resisting Arrest.
| Ronald Michael Wayne Davis (30 of Flat Rock) |
On January 28th, Officers with Collinsville PD conducted a traffic stop on US Hwy 11 for a traffic offense finding the driver to be in possession of methamphetamine. Kenneth John Reed (43 of Attalla) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
| Kenneth John Reed (43 of Attalla) |
On Monday, January 29th, DeKalb County Deputies received a call from a service station attendant about an individual who was there at the time possibly being intoxicated. Paul Hansel Reed II (45 of Rainsville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct and Public Intoxication.
| Paul Hansel Reed II (45 of Rainsville) |
On Wednesday, January 31st, Narcotics Agents executed a search warrant at a residence on County Road 577 in Rainsville. Marijuana was found during a search of the home. Hubert Craig Bodiford (51 of Rainsville) was charged with Trafficking in Any Illegal Drug, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x3) and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Krystal Michelle Houston (40 of Rainsville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
| Hubert Craig Bodiford (51 of Rainsville) | Krystal Michelle Houston (40 of Rainsville) |
From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden:
| Jairo Alexander Castillo (32 of Collinsville) |
FORT PAYNE, Ala. - Former officer, Jairo Alexander Castillo (32 of Collinsville), was arrested and taken into custody by Alabama State Bureau of Investigation today around noon. Castillo is a former employee with DeKalb County Sheriff's Office as a school resource officer. Castillo was taken into custody by ALEA (Alabama Law Enforcement Agency), DeKalb County Investigators, DeKalb County Drug Task Force and DeKalb County Deputies.
The arrest comes after complaints were received by DeKalb County Sheriff's Office and DeKalb County Board of Education; the investigation was then turned over to the State Bureau of Investigation. It is standard procedure that if an employee of the Sheriff's Office is being investigated, that investigation is turned over to the state or an outside agency.
Jairo Castillo was charged with School employee having sexual contact with a student (x2). Castillo is currently in the DeKalb County Detention Center on a $300,000.00 bond.
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: "It's unfortunate that something like this has happened in our own community and it is definitely a black eye in many ways for us all. I believe in facing things whether good or bad head on and not sugar coating anything or being bias to anyone."
"I hoped and prayed these allegations were unfounded but according to the investigation, evidence proves otherwise and now it's time to deal with it head on. No one person is better than the other and we strive on fairness and that is exactly how this case with be handled, period."
"I want to thank the State Bureau of Investigations for quickly accepting this complaint from our office and working diligently to come to appropriate conclusions to handle this matter. Also, I would like to thank the DeKalb County Board of Education for their assistance and cooperation. I pray adequate justice is served and this will show a display that no one is above the law!"
"We will deal with it accordingly and continue to do what is RIGHT!"
"God Bless!" Concluded Sheriff Welden.