Drug bust yields multiple arrests

On Wednesday, Oct. 29, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force agents assisted Alabama Probation and Parole during a home visit in the 23000 block of Hwy. 18 E. in Berry involving probationer Grady Pendley. 

According to Sheriff Byron Yerby and Investigator Branndon Collins, officers discovered multiple narcotics and drug paraphernalia items. Substances found included fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana and Xanax.

Three individuals were arrested at the residence. Pendley, 70, was charged with probation violation, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana. Meghan Cochran, 39, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana. Frieda Chambers, 65, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Additional charges are pending as the investigation continues. Yerby thanked the task force for their assistance during the investigation.

On Wednesday, Nov. 5, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, 25th Circuit District Attorney’s Office and Winfield Police Department executed a search warrant in the 800 block of Coffee Creek Road.

According to Yerby and Collins, the warrant stemmed from an investigation by Alabama Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force officers with the sheriff’s office and the DA’s office. During the initial search, officers discovered narcotics and drug paraphernalia. Following the initial findings, investigators obtained a second search warrant for narcotics and paraphernalia. Substances seized included fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana and gamma-hydroxybutyrate, also known as GHB or liquid “G.”

As a result, six individuals were arrested. Kenneth Glenn Taylor, 39, was charged with 10 counts of possession with intent to distribute child pornography, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Michael Lee Porter, 45, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and chemical endangerment of a child.

Brittany Smith was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Courtney Anne Kelly, 36, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of probation. Dennis Ray Marcum Jr., 45, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, two counts of alias warrant and possession of drug paraphernalia. Amanda Jane Welch, 41, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and probation violation.

Yerby expressed sincere appreciation to the drug task force and Winfield Police Department for their support in the case.