From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden:

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndal/pr/repeat-offender-sentenced-14-years-prison

FORT PAYNE, Ala. - Rayford Raymond Russell aka "Pete" (74 of Rainsville) was sentenced to 168 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Liles C. Burke.  In February, Russell plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, attempt to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, use of a phone to facilitate a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Russell was on federal supervised release when he committed these crimes.

On May 23, 2023, U.S. District Court Judge Liles C. Burke sentenced Cindy Land Franklin (64 of Flat Rock) to 36 months in prison for use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking crime.  Franklin plead guilty to this charge in February 2023. 

A link to the official Press Release from the U.S. States Attorney's Office is attached at the top of this article.  

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: "This case displayed exceptional work by everyone involved.  This case is a prime example of why law enforcement needs a good working relationship among agencies and I couldn't be more thankful for the wonderful relationship we have with these agencies."

"This is a HUGE WIN on the war on drugs in our County and many more.   The volume of drugs theses criminals were dealing in would no doubt spread to numerous surrounding Counties and no telling how many families would have been affected."

Job WELL DONE!!  

"God Bless!" Concluded Sheriff Welden.