Neighborhood watchdogs help GCSO snag 10 for drugs ........................
Date Posted:4/2/09


Complaints from residents with watchful eyes led to the arrest of 10 people on various drug charges, according to the Gadsden County Sheriff's Office. "We had the most complaints on these people.Citizens were calling regarding what they thought was drug activity in their neighborhoods. In three cases, we had made controlled buys and actually had search warrants," said Lt. Jim Corder of the Gadsden County Sheriff's Office Narcotics and Vice Unit.

Among those arrested were Zahn Farlin, possession of cocaine within 1,000 feet of public housing; Michael Russell, sale of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a convenience store; Ronnie Black, trafficking in cocaine; Sheldon Marshall, possession of marijuana; Sterling Williams, sale and possession with intent to sell crack cocaine; Willie Kenon, sale and possession with intent to sell crack cocaine and possession of marijuana; James Edwards Jr., sale and possession with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of public housing; and Greg Lee Jr., sale and possession with intent to sell crack cocaine. Corder said search warrants were served at the homes of Willie Kenon in the Scott Town community, Stephanie Baker on Lucky Street in Quincy and Sterling Williams on U.S. Highway 90 East. In addition to the arrests, officers also seized three vehicles, more than 2 ounces of powdered cocaine with a street value of $1,800, 20 grams of crack cocaine with a street value of $900, $1,500 in cash, and one handgun.

Corder said that information from citizens has helped tremendously in the fight against drugs. "Right now about 60 percent of our drug cases are from the city of Quincy. But it doesn't matter whether it's in a municipality or in the unincorporated areas, the sheriff's office has the ultimate responsability. If you don't give drug sales immediate and direct attention, it can take over," he said. "The citizens are our eyes and ears in the community. We depend on them and encourage them to call us." To report drug or suspicious activity, call Corder at 875-8847 or 251-5519.