Marijuana fly-over nets arrests in county

HAWK – Many Randolph County residents have been busy working in their gardens lately … but not all of them are growing tomatoes.

A Hawk couple was arrested last week as part of the annual aerial marijuana eradication program.

According to Randolph County Sheriff’s Office investigator Chris May, Judy Lynn Morris, 42, and Ricky Leon Morris, 38, of 629 County Rd. 456, Woodland, face charges of possession of marijuana.

Mrs. Morris has a first-degree charge because of a prior conviction. Mr. Morris’s charge is second-degree.

May said when plants were spotted from the helicopter, the pilot gave officers on the ground directions. They found more marijuana inside the home in addition to three buckets outside with plants growing in them.

Other plants were found at a different location, and other arrests are pending in that matter, which is still under investigation.

“It’s not as prevalent as it used to be. I think the meth epidemic does have something to do with it,” said Alabama State Trooper pilot Mike Manley. “It’s still out there. We found about 4,000 plants in Hale County this year.”

Other arrests

Randall Lee Overton, 28, of 1411 County Rd. 87, Roanoke, was arrested on June 27 in Valley and charged with four counts of failure to appear in court.

Patsy Craven McCard, 37, of 1411 County Rd. 87, Roanoke, was arrested on June 27 in Valley and charged with four counts of failure to appear in court.

Jennifer Lynn Cummings, 22, of 1695 County Rd. 131, Lot 20, Roanoke, was arrested on June 27 and charged with failure to pay fines.

Keith L. McCray, 23, of 1220 Yancey St., Roanoke, was arrested on June 26 and charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Harold Diller, 44, of Bowdon, Ga., was arrested on June 26 and charged with harassment.

Migal Sanchez Forese of 1884 County Rd. 88, Wedowee, was arrested on June 24 near the intersection of Highways 22 and 77 and charged with DUI and driving without a license.

Incidents

Delbert Watson of 183 County Rd. 2204, Roanoke, reported a vehicle fire on June 25 at his residence in which his 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix was damaged.

Linda Ruth Eidson of 78 County Rd. 701, Roanoke, reported a case of attempted burglary and criminal mischief on June 24 at her residence where there was damage to a door lock and frame.