Recent Drug Arrests in Decherd

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

5 drug arrests and 3 vehicle seizures were made last week and over the weekend by the Decherd Police Department.

On Wednesday March 5th Decherd Police Department received a call in reference to a subject trying to cash a stolen check at Citizens Tri-County Bank. As officers arrived the suspect vehicle was leaving on Decherd Blvd. A traffic stop was conducted on a black Jeep Compass at Walgreens and 2 subjects were detained. Due to the odor marijuana coming from inside the vehicle a search was conducted. The search resulted in the recovery of 100 grams of marijuana. Also recovered was a stolen check book used at Citizens Tri-County Bank. This traffic stop resulted in the arrest of Travis Ullery and Brittany Donalson. Mr. Ullery and Ms. Donalson were charged with Manufacture/Sell/Delivery of Sch. VI, Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia, Theft of Property, and Forgery. The Jeep Compass was seized by the Decherd Police Department.

On Friday March 7th Decherd Police Department was conducting increased patrols with the goal being the combat of drug traffic. During this time, Assistant Chief Paul Bennett stopped a red Hyundai Tucson on Hwy 64 for speeding 76 mph in a 55 mph zone. Due to the odor of Marijuana coming from the vehicle, a search was conducted resulting in the recovery of 7.124 oz (over 200 grams) of methamphetamine and 15 grams of marijuana. The occupants of the vehicle attempted and failed to destroy the evidence by pouring soda on it. This stop resulted in the arrest of Jesse Stamps and Jasmine Hammonds. Mr. Stamps was charged with Speeding, Financial Responsibility, Felony Possession of Methamphetamine, Driving while in Possession of Methamphetamine, Manufacture/Sell/Delivery of Sch. VI, and Tampering with Evidence. The Hyundai Tucson was seized by the Decherd Police Department. Mr. Stamps is currently on parole for the original charge of felony possession of methamphetamine (almost 5 oz) with intent to distribute where the arresting officer was then Patrolman Paul Bennett on 01/01/2021.

On Sunday March 9th Captain Tyler Womack conducted a traffic stop on a black Jaguar sedan on W. Main St for a seatbelt violation on the front passenger. The passenger of the vehicle stated that she was on probation out of Coffee County. The driver gave false identifying information. The driver later identified herself as Chelsea Stamper and had active warrants out of both Franklin and Coffee Counties. Ms. Stamper gave consent to search for the vehicle. A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a loaded hypodermic needle, a small baggie containing methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. The contents of the hypodermic needle tested positive for methamphetamine. Ms. Stamper was placed in custody. Prior to being transported to Franklin County Jail, Officer Juana Escalante recovered another baggie containing methamphetamine off Ms. Stamper. Ms. Stamper was charged with Criminal Impersonation, Driving on revoked/suspended license, Felony Possession of Methamphetamine, and Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia. The passenger was released with a citation for seatbelt violation. The Jaguar was seized by the Decherd Police Department.