Over several days, Pearl River County Criminal and Narcotic Investigators carried out a series of operations, resulting in numerous arrests and the seizure of contraband in various locations across Picayune, Mississippi.

On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, following a traffic stop and consent searches of two vehicles, investigators obtained probable cause for a search warrant near Redneck Hill and Beaverwood. Stolen property was recovered during the search, leading to the apprehension of Michael Frierson (42), Wayne Wadel (38), Chad Hill (39), and Brenda Ramos’Hutchinson (23). Frierson faced charges related to stolen property from Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, along with additional counts of receiving stolen property. Wadel was taken into custody on multiple bench warrants. Ramos’Hutchinson and Hill were charged with possession with intent, with Hill facing an additional charge of receiving stolen property.

The following day, narcotics investigators, in collaboration with the Mississippi Department of Corrections, conducted a residential inspection at the home of Slade Smith (29). Cassidy Paige (26), Jerrick Peters (48), Tarrice Washinton (35), Erica Vegas (38), James Ira Henry (54), and Lee Lewis (33) were present at the residence. A significant quantity of suspected methamphetamine was discovered, resulting in all occupants being charged with trafficking a controlled substance and possession of paraphernalia.

On Thursday, April 4, 2024, Narcotic Investigators and the Picayune Police Department’s Special Investigation Division received information regarding Rolland Daniel Kennedy (58) hiding in a wooded area west of the railroad tracks off Willow Street. While searching for Kennedy, Chard Harkins (35), Christopher Doucette (48), and Eric Cooke (52) were encountered. Harkins was taken into custody for a theft warrant from Louisiana, while Cooke and Doucette faced charges related to possession of a weapon by a felon and hindering prosecution. Cooke was additionally charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Law enforcement continued on Thursday, April 4th, with Pearl River County Sheriff’s Deputies responding to a shoplifting incident at the Dollar General Store in Carriere. Clinton Sterling (22) and Belana Sparks (23) were apprehended following a traffic stop. The couple was found in possession of a significant quantity of suspected methamphetamine and faced charges related to possession with intent to distribute, reckless driving, disorderly conduct, and shoplifting.

On Friday, April 5th, further arrests were made during a traffic stop involving Brandi Hendricks (38), Allen Pennell (45), and Brady Erivin (19) for possession of narcotics paraphernalia. Additionally, Robert Hayden (41) and Halley Johnston (38) were taken into custody following a traffic stop where narcotics paraphernalia was discovered in their vehicle.

The recent arrests underscore law enforcement’s continued efforts to address criminal activity and maintain public safety in Pearl River County.