Atmore raid leads to arrests on illegal alcohol charges
Published 9:58 pm Tuesday, March 9, 2010
By By Lisa Tindell
news editor
Law enforcement officers raided a trailer in Atmore Sunday night, making nearly 40 arrests on charges involving the illegal sale and consumption of alcohol.
Alabama Beverage Control officers enlisted the help of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department in making arrests at an Etheridge Drive address Sunday night for the illegal sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Lt. Lance Price with ABC’s enforcement division said 37 area residents were arrested on a total 43 charges in Sunday night’s raid.
The individuals were arrested at 104 Etheridge Dr. in Atmore on a variety of charges with the majority of those arrested charged with consumption of alcohol on Sunday, which is illegal in Escambia County, Price said.
Charles Frye and Sharron Frye, both of Etheridge Drive, were each arrested and charged with possession of untaxed alcohol, two counts of possession to sell; two counts of selling alcohol without a license and sell of alcohol on Sunday.
Willie Wiggins and Willie Calhoun Jr. were arrested and charged with consuming alcohol in a public place as well as possession of marijuana, second degree; and carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.
Also arrested and charged with felonies were Gary Hollins and Diana Wiggins for first-degree possession of marijuana and consuming alcohol in a public place on Sunday. Hollins was also charged with a felony count of possession of a controlled substance.
Price said the raid and arrests were made after officers with his department received multiple complaints concerning the sale of alcohol at the location.
Escambia County Chief Deputy Mike Lambert said the location is in a residential area of the city.
Atmore Police Officers Paige Howell and Scott Walden, who are assigned to the 21st Judicial Drug Task Force Unit, assisted in the raid arresting those in possession of illegal drugs officials said.
Price also said a business license was posted in the location, however the license expired in 2009.