West Tennessee Drug Round-Up Nets 11 On Federal Trafficking Violations

Henderson, Decatur, Benton, and Madison counties following indictments for federal drug trafficking violations, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.

The indictments were returned by a federal grand jury in Jackson on February 19, 2013, but remained under seal until today’s arrests. Each indictment contained counts alleging violations of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

The suspects arrested during the operation were:
• Thomas Arnold, 46, of Benton County
• Jason Blackstock, 30, of Henderson County
• Monica Bruce, 37, of Benton County
• Jerry Evans, 69, of Decatur County
• Peggy Gullett, 46, of Henderson County
• Teresa McCoy, 43, of Decatur County
• James Nolen, 47, of Henderson County
• Billie Pearcy, 68, of Decatur County
• Karen Pepper, 37, of Madison County
• Bruce Rosson, 29, of Decatur County
• Freddy Webb, 51, of Henderson County

A twelfth suspect, Elizabeth Little, 47, of Decatur County, was out of state and is making arrangements to turn herself in to authorities. In addition to the arrests, law enforcement officials seized illicit narcotics, U.S. currency, and drug paraphernalia. At least 10 firearms were also seized, including handguns and long guns.

The charges in the indictments stem from the illegal activity of possessing and distributing methamphetamine. Each of the 12 suspects was charged with unlawfully and knowingly possessing with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. This charge is punishable as follows:

No Prior Felony Drug Trafficking Convictions
o Up to 20 years imprisonment
o A fine of up to $1,000,000
o Up to three years supervised release

Prior Felony Drug Trafficking Convictions
o Up to 30 years imprisonment
o A fine of up to $2,000,000
o Up to six years supervised release

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; FBI Memphis, Jackson Resident Agency; Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; Tennessee Highway Patrol; Henderson County Sheriff’s Department; Lexington Police Department; and the 24th Judicial District Drug Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matt Wilson on behalf of the government.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.