10 jailed, 2 wanted in drug operation

Published 7:00 pm Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Ten people were arrested and another two are wanted in connection with a two-week undercover drug operation in Escambia County.

Chief Deputy Mike Lambert with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said the arrests are the result of “controlled buy” situations in areas of suspected drug activity.

“Drugs are a plague throughout Escambia County, and we continue our fight in prevailing against drug dealers in our communities,” Lambert said. “This operation was a concerted effort to greatly reduce drug activity throughout the county. These results were made through numerous tips of suspected drug activity in our neighborhoods and are a perfect illustration of how that information is needed by our agency.”

Lambert said those with tips should contact the ECSO at 251. 867.0304 in Brewton or 251.368.4779 in Atmore.

While 10 were jailed, Lambert said deputies continue to search for Natasha Dandridge, 33, of Brewton and Carnell Dixon, 52 of Atmore. Dandridge is wanted for possession of a controlled substance (MDMA or Ecstasy), while Dixon is wanted for possession and distribution of Spice.

Arrested were:

• Amanda Jay, 29, and James Roger Jay, 50, husband and wife, of Atmore on April 27, for possession and distribution of methamphetamine. Each was released on a $100,000 bond;

• Justin Ulrich, 37, of Atmore, on April 21, for possession and distribution of methamphetamine. He remains in the Escambia County Detention Center on a $105,000 bond;

• T.J. Jarrell, 25, of Atmore, on April 25, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and attempting to distribute methamphetamine. He was released on a $100,000 bond; however, he is currently being sought for bond revocation.

• Brandon Jarrell, 22, of Atmore, on April 25, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and attempting to distribute methamphetamine. He was released on a $100,000 bond.

• Daren “D.J.” Knighten, 25, of Atmore, on April 27, for possession and distribution of methamphetamine. He was released on a $50,000 bond.

• Wilma Alana Jackson, 40, and Stephen McCurdy, 48, of Brewton, on May 5, for possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of possession of a controlled substance (meth and hydrocodone) and possession of marijuana II. She was released on a $5,000 bond, while he was released on a $7,500 bond.

• Nicholas Phelps, 23, of Brewton, on May 6, for two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance (Spice). He remains in the detention center without bond.

• Heather Jordan Black, 34, of Century, Fla., on April 5, for promoting prison contraband and possession of a controlled substance (Xanax). She was released on a  $15,000 bond.