The Alexandria Police Department has had a busy past few weeks, making several arrests with drug charges occupying much of their time.

According to Alexandria Police Chief Travis Bryant, on April, 20, 28-year-old Katie Turner of Lower Helton Road, Alexandria, was charged with possession of a schedule 1 drug (MDMA), simple possession of a schedule 6 drug (marijuana), possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia, and a violation of the light law. Her bond was set at $25,000 and appeared in court on May 9.

Officers stopped a vehicle on Brush Creek Hwy. for a light law violation. As officers were speaking with the driver, identified as Turner, a strong odor of marijuana could allegedly be detected coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was performed and in the front center console a small baggie containing a white powdery substance believed to be MDMA was found along with several items consistent with the use of narcotics. A baggie of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana was found in the purse belonging to Turner.

On April 22, 38-year-old Jennifer Johnson of Old Highway 53, Liberty, was charged with manufacture, delivery, sale, or possession of a schedule 4 drug (pills), a schedule 2 drug (methamphetamine), two counts of simple possession of schedule 4 and a schedule 5 drug, driving in possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving on a suspended license. Her bond was set at $37,500 and appeared in court on May 9.

Officers were investigating a suspicious vehicle on Brush Creek Highway and came into contact with Johnson. While the officer was speaking with Johnson, she allegedly stated that her license was suspended and there was narcotics in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 5.15 grams of a white crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine, a baggie containing 29 pills believed to be 5mg Valium, a pill believed to be a 10mg Valium, one pill believed to be a clonazepam, and 2 pills believed to be gabapentin, several items consistent with the sale, use, and delivery of narcotics. Jennifer Johnson was unable to provide a prescription.

On May 1, 52-year-old Larry House of New Hope Road, Alexandria, was charged with driving under the influence first offense and possession of a handgun while under the influence. His bond was set at $6,000 and appeared in court on May 16.

Officers stopped a vehicle for driving erratic and acting suspicious within the city limits of Alexandria, and made contact with House. As officers were speaking with him, they say they observed an odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle and slurred speech. He was asked to exit the vehicle and perform field sobriety tests. When he exited the vehicle, he produced a firearm from his person and he was placed under arrest.

On May 5, 30-year-old Amber Gambill of Windham Dr. Smithville was charged with driving under the influence first offense. Her bond is set at $2,000 and appeared in court on May 16.

Officers observed a vehicle on Nashville Highway failing to maintain its lane of travel. The officer observed the vehicle driving into the opposite lane and hit the grass on that side. Officers stopped the vehicle and made contact with Gambill. A strong odor of alcohol was allegedly detected coming from the vehicle. Gambill reportedly did state to officers that she had been drinking, but refused to submit to field sobriety tests.

On May 8, 53-year-old Steven Curtis of Upper Helton Road, Alexandria was charged with manufacture, delivery, sale, or possession of a schedule 2 drug (Oxycodone), simple possession of a schedule 6 drug (marijuana) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Officers stopped Curtis on East Main Street for a traffic violation. During the stop the officer was able to locate a bottle containing 27 small blue pills believed to be Oxycodone and a small baggie weighing 11.19 grams of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana. Several items consistent with the use of narcotics were also located. His bond was set at $20,000 and will appear in court of May 23.

Michelle Curtis, 59, of Upper Helton Road, Alexandria, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Curtis was the passenger in the vehicle stopped by officers for a traffic violation. As officer were speaking with her, they discovered her to be in possession of items consistent with the use of narcotics. She was issued a citation and appeared in court on May 24.

On May 11, 21-year-old Hunter Dodson of Shenandoah Trail, Lebanon, was charged with manufacture, delivery, sale, and possession of a schedule 2 drug (methamphetamine), possession of a handgun during a felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond is set at $41,500 and will appear in court on May 30.

Officers stopped a vehicle for a speeding on Nashville Highway. As officers approached the vehicle, they made contact with Dodson and allegedly observed drug paraphernalia in the back seat in plain view. Officers then searched the vehicle and recovered 2 grams of a white crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine and a loaded Springfield 1911 handgun. During the encounter, Dodson admitted to officers that he was selling methamphetamine. Also located in the vehicle were other items consistent with the sale and delivery of narcotics.

On May 17, 23-year-old Nathan Dovell of Cookeville was charged with forgery. His bond was set at $10,000 and will appear in court on May 30.

Officers were dispatched to Wilson Bank in Alexandria, and upon arrival, officers made contact Dovell and employees of the bank. Dovell had allegedly entered the bank with a forged check and had attempted to cash it. Wilson Bank officials advised law enforcement that he had just cashed another check in the same amount in Smithville a short time earlier in the day.

On May 18, 35-year-old Sarah Ferrell of Poplar Hill Road, Watertown, was charged with manufacture, delivery, sale, and possession of a schedule 2 drug (methamphetamine). Her bond was set at $8,000 and she will appear in court on May 30.

Officers stopped Sarah Ferrell for a traffic violation. While speaking with her, officers observed a cigarette case on the floor board with a baggie sticking out of it. Officers asked what the items were and she stated that it was her medication. As she pulled the medication bottle out, she allegedly attempted to push the baggie back inside and the officer observed this. A further search of the case revealed a baggie containing a white crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine.