June 30, 2021
Jim Evancho
On Tuesday June 29, 2021, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on Saddle Club Road in Jacksonville. Sherriff’s Deputies, Jacksonville Police Officers, and Alabama Probation Officers were present during the execution where 6 pounds of methamphetamines were located as well as 4 firearms. Sheriff Matthew Wade said that the Alabama Probation Officers were involved due to the fact that one of the suspects identified during the investigation was currently on probation with the state.
Sheriff Wade advised that currently heroin and methamphetamines are the two biggest drug problems in this area. The Sheriff’s Office and local police departments are receiving overdose calls every day from people addicted to narcotics. The CDC has also reported that over 841,000 people have died from drug overdoses since 1999, and the numbers seem to be increasing every year.
Sheriff Wade said he is dedicated to removing as many drug dealers as he and his deputies can get off the streets. He also stated “Addiction is sad, not just for the person involved, but also for the families that love them”. Wade is very proud of his team that made the arrest and is committed to continuing the fight against methamphetamines and heroin in Calhoun County.
Earlier this year Lt. Murray of the Sheriff’s Office was deputized to work on the taskforce with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Sheriff Wade believed this particular case will be brought to a federal level for prosecution.
The people arrested and charged with violations are:
Bruce Randal Williams – Trafficking in Methamphetamines, Certain Person Forbidden to Possess Pistol, Use/Possession Drug Paraphernalia.
Christy Sharit -Trafficking methamphetamines, Probation violation, Use/Possession Drug Paraphernalia.
Jason Lamar Bishop – Trafficking methamphetamines, Use/Possession Drug Paraphernalia.
Tonya Lynn Smith – Trafficking methamphetamines, Use/Possession Drug Paraphernalia.
At this time no bonds have been set for any of the suspects in custody, and no attorneys are listed for any of the defendants.
Sheriff Wade also advised that William’s has an extensive history of past drug charges and is glad to have him off the streets again. He also thanked the Jacksonville Police Department and the Alabama Probation Officers that assisted in making these arrests.
Due to the quantity of narcotics seized at the location the accused are being accused of trafficking Methamphetamine which is a class A felony may result in a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison.
If you would like to report drug activity in your area please call your local police department or the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office at (256) 236-6600.
