Press Release from Rainsville Police Department
RAINSVILLE, Ala.-- On November 1, 2022, at approximately 10:45 p.m. Rainsville Police Officers performed a traffic stop on County Road 90 in Rainsville.
During this stop, the officers obtained permission to search the vehicle.
Inside the vehicle, officers found approximately 110 grams of Synthetic Marijuana (Spice), smoked “blunts” containing spice, as well as zip lock bags and a large container of rolling papers. It was also found that the tag on the vehicle was switched.
Justin Leslie Scott of Mentone was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Trafficking Dangerous Drugs (Spice). Terra Renee Helms of Fort Payne was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Promoting Prison Contraband after bringing more spice into the jail inside her pants.
On November 4, 2022, at 8:30 am, officers with Rainsville Police Department received a tip of drug use and possible drug sales at an apartment in the 100 Block of George Wallace St SW.
Rainsville Officers received permission to look inside the apartment, as were advised that one more person was inside.
Officers found two individuals hiding in the bathroom, attempting to flush physical evidence down the toilet, while another individual was hiding in the bedroom closet. A bag containing methamphetamine, a bag containing marijuana, and other items considered to be drug paraphernalia were found. Judy Lynn Steele was arrested and charged with Hindering Prosecution 1st degree.
Jeff Wayne Steele was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana 2nd, and for an outside agency warrant. Samantha Talley was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Tampering with Physical Evidence. Gerald Crittenden of Florence, AL was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and a SORNA violation after being found living in Rainsville without registering as a Sex Offender. Crittenden was found to have several other SORNA violations as well.
Chief Michael Edmondson stated “The arrest at the apartment complex was made with tips and complaints from the citizens of Rainsville. We always encourage the public to inform us of any information they may have on criminal activity. Also, I am proud of the quick action officers took in apprehending these criminals”.
Edmondson went on to say “Sex Offenders must be held accountable for their actions, sex offender laws are put in place for a reason, if an offender fails to comply, we will prosecute to the fullest extent”.
