Benton officer seizes six pounds of marijuana

By Misti Strader
Tribune-Courier News Editor
mstrader@tribunecourier.com

BENTON – A tip from a concerned Benton resident resulted in the biggest marijuana bust in Benton history last Friday night.

Officer William Treadway and Marshall County Sgt. Brett Edwards responded to the tip at 1406 Mimosa Lane where they proceeded to conduct a “knock and talk.”

While Treadway spoke to resident Jesse Tullos, he said he detected a strong odor of marijuana.

Police reports indicate Tullos denied having any knowledge of such activity and refused to come outside of the home and speak with officers.

“Tullos said he didn’t know what marijuana was or even looked like. He professed to have no knowledge of the drug,” Treadway said.

Fearful that evidence was being disposed of, Treadway and Edwards made forced entry into the home, where they secured the residence and secured a search warrant.

Officers found their suspicions of evidence tampering to be accurate when they found nearly a pound of marijuana in the bathroom commode.

Officers seized six pounds of marijuana in all, numerous items of drug-paraphernalia, drug scales, over $500 in cash, brass knuckles, a 410-shotgun and various other drug-trade related items.

Street value of the drugs siezed was estimated to be $23,000.

Magazines were also found at the residence which went into detail on the “how to’s” of the drug smuggling trade.

Treadway said that while it is not illegal to have a magazine in your possession, “it is called paraphernalia when seized with six-pounds of marijuana.”

Five arrests were made as a result of the bust:

Tullos was charged with trafficking marijuana over five-pounds, tampering with physical evidence and possession of drug-praphernalia.

Noah Harper was charged with trafficking marijuana, over five pounds, tampering with physical evidence and possession of drug-praphernalia.

Brittany Westerman was charged with trafficking marijuana, over five pounds, tampering with physical evidence and possession of drug-praphernalia.

Rachel Twiggs was charged with trafficking marijuana, over five-pounds, tampering with physical evidence and possession of drug-praphernalia.

And Brittany Allen was charged with trafficking marijuana, over five-pounds, tampering with physical evidence and possession of drug-praphernalia.

All were taken to the Marshall County Detention Center. The investigation is continuing by the Benton Police Department, Marshall County Sheriff’s Department and Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force.

Assisting in this investigation were Marshall County officers, Deputy Nathan Maxlow, Detective Kevin Mighell, Deputy Dennis Lewis, and Captain Nicky Knight of the Benton Police Department.