Three individuals were arrested on Monday for cocaine trafficking after an undercover investigation conducted by the Covington/Newton County Special Investigation Unit.
Following multiple complaints regarding suspected drug activity in the area, investigators initiated an undercover operation at a residence on South Lake Drive. By October 24, they had gathered sufficient evidence to obtain a search warrant for the property.
According to a representative from the SUI, investigators discovered a significant quantity of crack cocaine along with various paraphernalia associated with drug sales. The arrested individuals include 30-year-old Angel Marie Starks, 37-year-old David Oneal Durham, and 36-year-old Travis Tyrone Durham, all of whom were charged with cocaine trafficking. They were taken to the Newton County Detention Center, where they remain as of the latest update.
SUI investigators seized approximately 40 grams of cocaine. With crack typically selling for around $8,500 per ounce, the confiscated drugs are estimated to be worth about $12,000.
Middle school student charged with threatening school in Florida.
NEWTON COUNTY – A 12-year-old student from Indian Creek Middle School has been arrested for making threats against a school in Florida.
According to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO), the unidentified male student allegedly sent electronic threats to a Florida school, though the specific institution has not been disclosed.
The student was arrested on September 16 and charged with making terroristic threats and acts. He has been referred to the Juvenile Court System.
This incident adds to a troubling trend of student arrests that has emerged since the Apalachee High School shooting a few weeks ago.
He is at least the fourth student recorded to face charges for terroristic threats. On September 13, multiple students were also arrested for similar charges, although the total number of those arrested has not been disclosed.
Sheriff Ezell Brown released a statement as part of the news update, asserting, “Sheriff Ezell Brown emphasizes that any threats or acts of violence will be taken seriously, and those responsible will be held accountable.” He urged students and parents to understand that any threats made against the Newton County School System, or any school system, will be treated with utmost seriousness.
Community leaders deliver state of community address.
The strength of the community was evident on September 11 during the 2024 State of the Community address, attended by elected officials, community leaders, and local residents. Organized annually by the Newton County Chamber of Commerce, this event aims to unite the various municipalities within the county. After sharing a meal, attendees listened to speakers from Newton County, the Newton County Water and Sewerage Authority, the city of Covington, and the city of Porterdale.
Deadline set for government’s response to dismissal motions in Marcello Banes, Stephanie Lindsey case.
The government has slightly more than 60 days to decide whether to grant a motion to dismiss the federal charges filed against suspended chairman Marcello Banes and District 3 commissioner-elect Stephanie Lindsey. During a pre-trial conference on September 12, Magistrate Judge Linda T. Walker established November 18 as the deadline for the government’s response.
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