ON 12/15/2010 Rick Joseph Lawson age 38 of 49 CR 7149 Booneville was arrested and charged with Sale of Methamphetamine. The arrest took place near Oak Hill Church in the Blackland Community just off CR 7461. Lawson had previously been charged and indicted on separate occasions with Possession of Precursors and two counts of sale of Methamphetamine. He is presently being held without bond due to the circumstances that he was out on bond on the other already indicted charges. Prentiss County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Investigator along with Booneville Narcotics Investigator worked the case.

On 10/14/2010 the Prentiss County Sheriff's office received the report of a suspicious person and vehicle at a vacant residence on HWY 370 West of Frankstown. Deputies and Investigators responded to the call and caught the following individual in the process of burglarizing the vacant residence. The suspect had loaded some of the contents of the residence into his automobile. The suspect is identified as Paul Franklin Besinger 46 of Hickory Flat. The suspect works in Booneville and lives in Hickory Flat and was burglarizing the residence on the way home after work. His bond was set at $5,000.. I can't emphasis enough how important it is for neighbors to watch out for neighbors, but this is a prime example of the public assisting Law Enforcement and hopefully by catching such suspects, may very well prevent our homes from being burglarized. Ours guys did a great job responding and catching him in the act but it would like not have happened without an alert neighbor who was willing to get involved.

Sheriff Randy M Tolar

On Oct 1, 2010 Prentiss County Deputies arrested Jimmy Green Tucker 33 of 37 CR 2291 Booneville and charged him with Burglary and Larceny. The charges stem from burglaries that occurred back on Friday 02/19/2010 and Sunday morning 02/21/2010 in the Cairo community. Tucker had been suspect in the burglaries along with a couple of our people. During the investigation we recovered some of the loot along with key pieces of evidence that we submitted to the Mississippi Crime Lab. The case hinged on the results of the examination of the evidence. We we ultimately got the results from the crime lab, and were able to eliminate the other two suspects and positively conclude that it was Tucker. This is the first case in which we used DNA evidence to solve a case of this nature rather than a case involving a death or sexual related crime. Previously when we had evidence involving DNA we had to submit that evidence to a private lab for analysis and one sample might cost thousands of dollars for a comparison. The reason being is that up until the last couple years our State Crime Lab didn't have the capability to do such tests. We are very fortunate now that the Lab does have the technicians and means to retrieve, test and match DNA samples at very little cost to an Agency. It will make a great impact on Law Enforcement Investigations in Mississippi.
Tucker had been arrested last year on drug charges and was sentenced to Drug Court. He will be revoked from the program and face that penalty along with the present charges. He remains in custody at this time. This is no reflection on the Drug Court. Our Drug Court has had a tremendous impact in reducing the number of those that Repeat Offend. This is just one of a very few that has not successfully complied with the conditions of supervision of Drug Court. Our Investigators and Deputies did an outstanding job in these cases.

Sheriff Randy M Tolar

On 09/03/2010 Friday a burglary was reported to the Prentiss County Sheriff's Office of a building in the Wheeler Community. The suspects mad off with approx. $34,000 worth of loot. The subsequent investigation by Prentiss County Investigators over the course of the entire month of Sept. lead to the arrests of four individuals. Robert "Bob" C Lewellen 49 of 575 CR 5011 Booneville, Jamie Ray Lewellen 31 of 575 CR 5011 Booneville, James 'JD' Dean Wilson 20 of 257 HWY 4 East Booneville and Karly Dawn Clark 17 of 214 CR 4141 New Site. Bob Lewellen is charged with Burglary and Conspiracy to Commit Burglary. The remaining three are charged with Burglary. All four have been released on Bond at this time. This was a lengthy Investigation that took much resource to make our case. A substantial portion of the loot was recovered. I am very thankful for everyone's efforts and hard work. Anyone having information concerning this case or the possible recovery of additional property, please contact the Prentiss County Sheriff's Office or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi.

On Weds 09/02/2010, Prentiss County Narcotics Investigators, Deputies, Booneville Narcotics Officers in cooperation with North Mississippi Narcotics executed a search warrant and arrested Benjamin Clark Yates age 43 of 13 CR 8541 Booneville, after discovering that the suspect was in possession of Dilaudid (Hydromorphone) and Precursors needed to manufacture Methamphetamine. He was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance and Possession of Precursors with the intent to Manufacture Methamphetamine. He is awaiting an initial appearance before a Judge before bond is set.

In the early morning hours of 09/01/2010 Prentiss County Narcotics Investigators, Deputies, Booneville Narcotics and North Mississippi Narcotics executed a search warrant at 49 CR 7149 Booneville and arrested Rick Joseph Lawson age 38 and Amanda Crystal Lucio-Parker age 28 both of 49 CR 7149 and charged them with Manufacturing a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) after Officers discovered the makings of a Meth Lab. Both are awaiting an initial appearance for bond to be set.

These arrests and searches stem from Prentiss County Narcotics continuing Investigations into the illegal manufacturing of methampetamine and Sale and Possession of Prescription Drugs.

Two individuals were arrested Friday morning Sept 3 and charged with Grand Larceny in regards to items taken from a HWY 365 address between Cairo and Burton. The pair are identified as Christopher Matthew Palmer 19 of 7901 HWY 371 North Marietta and Joseph Wolf Walters 25 of 14 Burleson Road Mantachie. The pair were arrested after they took a trailer from a vacant house on HWY 365. The owners of the property had reported earlier that someone had taken an International Truck from the property and items from inside the house. Their bonds were set at $5,000. Palmer is free on bond, Walters had an outstanding warrant from Tupelo and is presently still in custody.

Around 2am this morning Deputies and Investigators located and arrested Wanted Burglary Suspect Anthony Floyd. He was near his own residence when arrested. Floyd faces multiple charges of Burglary and Larceny, Manufacturing Marijuana, and Possession of a Firearm by A Convicted Felon. He was on probation with the Department of Corrections. He will remain in custody pending revocation proceedings.

Sheriff Randy M Tolar
Prentiss County

As of Monday Morning we have arrested two individuals responsible for numerous burglaries and thefts in the Tuscumbia/ New Chandler Community and are searching for a third. Friday afternoon we arrested James Trimble age 20 of 12 CR 1193 Booneville and later arrested William Scott Meyer 19 of 12 CR 1193 Booneville. The pair are Brothers. Trimble is charged with Burglary and Larceny and Meyer is charged with Burglary and Larceny,and Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon, We have recovered several other firearms since Friday that are believed to have been taken in the above mentioned Burglaries. While we were searching for Meyer and other individual that fled into the woods Friday, an additional burglary was reported at a Shop in the same community. We later determined that these individuals were responsible for this burglary. The other individual that fled from us both Weds and Friday was Anthony G Floyd 20 of 194 Cr 1151 Booneville. He is believed to still be in the area. A warrant has been issued for his arrest and we are searching for him diligently. We ask that if anyone come in contact with him or knows his whereabouts, please call Crimestopper or the Prentiss County Sheriff's Office. He along with Meyer were both on Probation with the Mississippi Department of Correction. I caution anyone from assisting Floyd. Anyone aiding or assisting Floyd in anyway may be charged with Aiding and Abetting or Accessory After the Fact. "I want to thank the people in the community for being very helpful during our investigation, it makes things come out so much better when people get involved."

Sheriff Randy M Tolar

On 07/14/2010 Prentiss County Investigators and Deputies executed a search warrant at a residence on CR 1151 and recovered property that had been taken in at least four burglaries that had been reported since July 1st. Three of the burglaries happened on CR 1101, one on CR 1195 and one on CR 1150. We recovered numerous firearms, 15 Marijuana plants (in and around the residence), a New GE Electric Stove, a Dry Vacuum, an eight foot Aluminum Level, an Aluminum ladder, a Lawn Chair, a Light Fixture, and two Oval Mirrors. Two of the burglaries were of residences that had been renovated or were in the process of renovating. Some of the other guns, jewelry and coins may have already been disposed of, so we ask the public's help in recovering any of these items that the suspects may have already sold or given away. If the property is returned we will see that it is returned to the proper owners. This is an investigation that everything just seemed to fall into place and worked out to our advantage. If anyone has information concerning please contact Investigators with the Prentiss County Sheriff's Office or call CrimeStopper at 1-800-773-8477.

The individual that resided in the residence apparently fled when we arrived and we are still attempting to locate him.

On 06/30/2010 Author Shane Yarbrough age 34 of 10 CR 7515 Baldwyn and his Wife Dusti Anne Yarbrough age 35 of the same address were arrested by Prentiss County Deputies after a traffic stop revealed the precursors used to manufacture methamphetamine. Shane Yarbrough was on probation with the Mississippi Department of Corrections and is being held pending a revocation. A $5,000 bond was set on the pending charge. His wife, Dusti Yarbrough was released 07/01/2010 on a $5,000 bond. These cases will be presented to the next Prentiss County Grand Jury. The pair were charged with possession of precursors.

Sheriff Randy M. Tolar

On 06/23/2010 April Vanderford age 29 of 78 Main Street Rienzi and Robby Glen Johnson age 30 of 22 CR 1051 Booneville were arrested by Prentiss County Investigators after they determined that the pair were involved in the Burglary of a dwelling on Hwy 356 in Prentiss County East of Jacinto. The victim reported that two guns were taken during the burglary along with and undetermined amount of change and other items. Their bonds have been set at $10,000 and both remain in custody at this time.

Sheriff Randy M Tolar

The victim of the aggravated Assault/Armed Robbery is being identified as Steven K Holley age 46 of Thrasher. He died this morning from the wounds he suffered during the Assault and Robbery. He was initially transported to Baptist Memorial Hospital in Booneville then Air Lifted to North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. He remain there until he died. Prentiss County Authorities traveled to Sommerville Tennessee yesterday morning and transported the second suspect in the case back to Prentiss County. He had been arrested the previous night at a Walmart by Agents with The United States Marshals Services Fugitive Apprehension Task Force. Agents recovered a mobile meth lab and a 9mm pistol from the automobile they were traveling in. The pair of suspects were charged with Aggravated Assault/Armed Robbery and Grand Larceny in the matter but due to the fact that the Holley passed away, the charges are being upgraded to Capital Murder. The first suspect, Jeremy Huguley had already had an initial appearance and his bond had been set at $500,000, but will be raised once the charges are upgraded. We are still tying up several loose ends and expect to have the investigation rapped up very soon. It is very tragic any time someone looses their life. Many people (Family, Friends, Etc.) suffer from such senseless killings. I am very pleased at the way this investigation played out. It took many people working many hours to get everything wrapped up.



Thank you, all Press Agencies for your coverage of this incident. It played a part in our apprehension of the suspects.

Sheriff Randy M Tolar

The Armed Robbery/Aggravated Assault suspect Charles David Burleson II of Tupelo is now in custody. Just prior to 9PM last night agents with the The United States Marshals Service Fugitive Apprehension Task Force captured Burleson inside a Walmart in Sommerville Tennessee without incident. He was still in the company of his girlfriend. The pair had been traveling in her Green Ford Mustang. Agents discovered a gun and a mobile meth lab in the automobile. Burleson is being held in Tennessee at this time. Officers with the Prentiss County Sheriff's Office will be traveling to Tennessee today or tomorrow. I would like to express appreciation for the tremendous effort show by everyone especially the US Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force, without them we would not have had jurisdiction outside of Mississippi. There were numerous other agencies whose assistance was crucial in the case, Lee County Sheriff's Office, Tupelo Police Department, Guntown Police and the Mississippi Department of Corrections along with others agencies to many to name. Hopefully with his arrest we can wrap this case up and present it to the next Grand Jury.
Sheriff Randy M Tolar
Prentiss County Sheriff

The Prentiss County Sheriff's Office is attempting to locate the following individual that was involved in a robbery, aggravated assault this past Saturday May 15th in the Thrasher Community in Northern Prentiss County. The victim was found by his father between 1PM and 1:30 PM laying in a pool of blood in the floor of the living room of their residence, after the father returned home from fishing. One suspect and a potential witness is in custody at this time. We have warrants issued and are actively searching for the second suspect. Charles David Burleson II age 27 of Erin St in Tupelo. He is known to be frequenting the Saltillo/ Guntown area. He is a White/Male 5'9" 192 lbs. He is charged with Aggravated Assault, Armed Robbery, and Grand Larceny. If any one has any information about this individual please contact The Prentiss County Sheriff's Office @ 662-728-2002, Crimestoppers or your local Law Enforcement Agency. He is also wanted by the Mississippi Department of Corrections for a Probation Violation. The other suspect is Jeremy Keith Huguley 20 of 180 CR 544 Rienzi, who remains in custody. He is charged with the same charges and no bond has been set at this time. The victim was transported to the Baptist Memorial Hospital in Booneville and then Air Lifted to North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo where he is in Critical condition. We have recovered numerous items that was taken during the robbery, such as a Flat Panel TV, the victims wallet and cell phone. We also recovered the weapon believed to have been used to assault the victim.

Sheriff Randy M Tolar
Prentiss County Sheriff

The Prentiss County 911 received the report of a shooting incident on HWY 4 East of Booneville at 5:47 PM yesterday. The victim in this case placed the call to 911 stating she had been shot twice. Responding deputies arrived nine minutes after receiving the call and arrived at about the same time that the suspect returned to the scene. The victim was Jane Jones age 66. The suspect was Rebecca Jones 46 of 1151 CR 450 Lexington Alabama, the victims daughter. The victim had been shot twice, once in the stomach and once in the arm. She was transported to Baptist Memorial in Booneville, then airlifted to North MS Medical Center in Tupelo where she died from her wounds. The weapon was recovered at the scene. The suspect is charged with Murder. Bond has not been set at this time.

Sheriff Tolar

The third suspect in the June 2009 Burglary/ Home Invasion/Kidnapping of a Blackland/Booneville Father and Daughter has been arrested by and charged with 2 Cts Burglary, 2 CTs Kidnapping, and Conspiracy. His bond has been set at $100,000. I am very pleased with the outcome of this investigation and proud that we now have identified all those involved. Jason Channin Young age 25 of 411 East Street Baldwyn was arrested Monday night after a warrant was issued for his arrest and we notified Shannon Police to see if they could locate him. The arrest was made without incident.

On Thursday April 29th Prentiss County Authorities arrested suspects believed to be involved in the June 26th 2009 Burglary/ Home Invasion and Kidnapping of a Blackland Father and daughter. This was a lengthy investigation that has led to these two arrest and the potential arrest of a third suspect. The incident occurred last June 26th around 10am and was reported around noon after the one of the victims escaped her captor. We were very fortunate that no one was hurt. The incident occurred at the the residences of the Father and his Daughter and her Husband on CR 7100. The suspects apparently were looking for money and attempted to force the Victims into cashing a large check at a local bank but were unsuccessful and only made off with several firearms and a some cash.

We arrested the following individuals:

Quincy Jamuel Miller B/M age 23 of Baldwyn and Anthony T Branch B/M 42 of Booneville.

Late Thursday evening after Miller's arrest we executed a search warrant at 95 CR 8301 Booneville. We recovered evidence that we believe associated with the June Incident and unexpectedly discovered a marijuana grow operation. Investigators discovered over 300 Marijuana plants in various states of growth located in the back yard and a wooded area near the house. We also confiscated 13 firearms, a tractor and equipment and the suspects 2003 F350 Ford Truck and other evidence. Neither suspect has any prior felony arrests.

The pair have been charged with two counts of Kidnapping, two counts of Burglary and Larceny, Conspiracy to commit Kidnapping.

Anthony T Branch was also charged with Manufacturing a Controlled Substance Marijuana.


Miller's bond was set at $100,000 and Branch's bond was set at $500,000

I would like to commend our investigators for putting this case together, leading to these arrests. North Mississippi Narcotics Unit, Booneville Police and Narcotics along with The Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol assisted with this case.


We are still looking for the third suspect. We would like to ask for the public's help. If anyone has any information concerning this crime or the recovery of any of the stolen property or other evidence or information regarding the third suspect, please call CrimeStoppers of Northeast Mississippi or Investigator Roy Ragin, the lead Investigator in this case.

The Prentiss County Sheriff's Office is nearing the completion of a lengthy investigation into multiple burglaries and thefts that have occurred within the last six months, mainly on the West side of the county ranging from the Blackland Community to the Alcorn County Line. Several arrests have been made with additional arrests expected.

Those arrested are Steven Champion age 19 of 110 Suburban Drive Booneville charged with Two counts of Burglary & Larceny and Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon. His bond has been set at $15,000 but a hold has been placed on him by the Department of Corrections.

Andrew B Hopkins age 29 of 121 CR 5471 Baldwyn has been charged with Burglary and Larceny with an additional charge forthcoming. His bond has been set at $10,000 but is being held in Lee County for a probation violation.

Jonathan Dale Davis age 22 of 913 HWY 4 West Booneville was charged with Burglary and Larceny, his bond was set at $10,000.

Brian Lauderdale age 24 of 170 CR 8500 was charged with Burglary and Larceny and his bond was set at $10,000.

Bobby Ray Alexander JR age 17 913 HWY 4 West Booneville was charged with Burglary and Larceny, his bond was set at $10,000.

James Maxwell Cook age 18 of 803 HWY 4 West Booneville was charged with Burglary and Larceny and his bond was set at $5,000.

Colby Christian Stewart age 19 of 132 CR 8401 Booneville was charged with Burglary and Larceny and his bond was set at $10,000.

Each suspect could likely have additional charges that will be presented to the next Prentiss County Grand Jury. The investigation actually revealed involvement of some of the above individuals in crimes that may have occurred in adjoining counties. The Investigators in this case worked very hard to piece together and sort out the facts and evidence in each incident. The investigation also led to the recovery of a substantial portion of the loot in several of the burglaries and thefts. Our Investigators are to be commended for their hard work and diligence.

Sheriff Randy M .Tolar

PS: If anyone has any information involving any of these individuals or crimes they may have committed or purchased items that might have been stolen, please contact Investigators Sammy Henderson or Roy Ragin at 662-728-2002 or call Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi at 1-800-773-TIPS

The Prentiss County Sheriff's Office has made several drug arrests recently. Christopher Wildman, age 31, 200 Little Turkey Trail Tupelo was arrested after a traffic stop 03/30/2010 by Prentiss County Narcotics Officer Joey Clark on CR 5091. He was found to be in possession of precursors used to make methamphetamine. He was charged with Possession of Precursors. His bond was set at $5,000 but a hold was placed on him by the Mississippi Department of Corrections for a Probation/Parole violation.

On 04/04/2010 Prentiss County Deputies stopped Brian Napaul Lauderdale age 24 of 170 CR 8500 Booneville on a traffic stop on HWY 30 East of Booneville. Deputies discovered drug paraphernalia, dilaudid and adderall. He was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance (Dilaudid & Adderall) and was released on a $10,000 bond.

On 04/06/2010 an investigation into narcotics violations led Prentiss County Authorities to execute a search warrant at a CR 1101 Booneville residence. Investigators arrested Jaret Ray Taylor 38. Investigators discovered approx. 2 grams of Methamphetamine and precursors used to make Methamphetamine and seized $455.00 cash. He was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Sell or Distribute and Possession of Precursors and Manufacturing Methamphetamine. His bond was set at $15,000 but a hold was placed on him by the Mississippi Department of Correction for a Parole Violation.

On 04/06/2010 Prentiss County Narcotics Investigators assisted by Booneville Narcotics Investigators both being members of North Mississippi Narcotics Unit arrested Jerry Dewayne George age 27 of 26 CR 3101 Booneville after searching his premises. He was charged with Possession of Precursors with intent to Manufacture Methamphetamine. His bond was set at $5,000.


Sheriff Randy M Tolar

DURING THE EARLY MORNING HOUR ON FRIDAY 03/19/2010, PRENTISS COUNTY NARCOTICS OFFICER, ALONG WITH PRENTISS COUNTY DEPUTIES, BOONEVILLE NARCOTICS AND NORTH MS NARCOTICS UNIT EXECUTED A SEARCH WARRANT AT HOUSE 3 CR 1020 IN THE THRASHER COMMUNITY AND ARRESTED STEPHEN K HOLLEY AGE 45 OF 3 cr 1020 BOONEVILLE. HOLLEY WAS ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, DILUADID.. HE WAS RELEASED ON A $5,000 BOND ON MONDAY THE 22ND.

SHERIFF TOLAR

On 03/03/2010 Prentiss County Narcotics Officers and Deputies executed a search warrant at 266 CR 1101 Booneville and discovered a meth lab in the shop. Two individuals were arrested and charged with controlled substance violations. Deputies arrested Barry Eugene Laugherty age 36 of 266 Cr 1101 Booneville and Chris Allen Burcham age 33 of CR 1101 Booneville. Laugherty was charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine and was released on a $10,000 Bond. Burcham was charged with Possession of Precursors used to manufacture Methamphetamine, his bond was also set at $10,000.

Sheriff Randy M. Tolar

On 02/22/2010 Bobby Joe South Jr age 40 of Burnsville was arrested and charged with Grand Larceny regarding the theft of three firearms from a Cr 1391 Booneville Residence the previous night. South's bond was set at $10,000 but is being held regarding a Mississippi Department of Correction for Parole Violation.

On 02/24/2010 Prentiss County Narcotics Officers investigating a complaint discovered the makings of a meth lab at a CR 7301 residence. Investigators arrested Nathan Knight age 19 W/M of 484 CR 7301 Booneville and Jonathan Keith Ford age 21 of 105 HWY 4 East Booneville. Knight was charged with Possession of Precursors with the intent to Manufacture Methamphetamine, his bond was set at $2,500. Ford was charged with Possession of Precursors and his bond was set at $5,000. Ford was also on Parole and has a hold on him for Mississippi Department of Corrections.

Sheriff Randy M Tolar

On 02/19/2010 Chasity Hester 28 38 CR 5131 Booneville was arrested by Prentiss County Authorities. Her arrest came after Baldwyn Police made a traffic stop on Hester and a male companion Brandon Clark 25. Narcotics Investigators from Prentiss County and and North Ms Narcotics Unit searched Hester's residence on CR 5131 and discovered a Meth Lab. She is charged with Possession of Controlled Substance and her bond set at $2,500. Clark also was charged but remains in the Lee Co Jail on Drug Charges and a Probation Violation. " I am very pleased with the cooperative effort on all the agencies involved in this case." " It proves that working together makes a difference."


Sheriff Randy M Tolar

Timmy Lee Elrod 51 of Baldwyn was arrested Feb 9th and charged with the embezzlement of an automobile that he allegedly sold to a scrap yard. His bond was set at $2,500.

During the late night hours of 02/10/2010 Prentiss County Narcotics Investigators discovered the makings of a meth lab at the residence of William (Will) Brown 15 CR 6391 Baldwyn. Brown 27 is charged with Possession of Precursors and his bond was set at $5,000. Booneville Narcotics Officer assisted in the case. This case was the result of an ongoing investigation into the Manufacturing of Methamphetamine in Prentiss County.
Sheriff Randy M. Tolar

On Wednesday morning 01/20/2012 just after midnight, Prentiss County Deputies made a traffic stop and discovered a meth lab. The automobile was occupied by two individuals, Billy Wayne Prentiss age 44 of 752 CR 7301 Booneville and Tracy Jean White age 39 of HWY 4 West Booneville. Prentiss was charged with Conspiracy, Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) and Possession of Precursors used to make Methamphetamine. At the time of his arrest he was out on bond on previous drug violations and is presently being held without bond. White is charged with two misdemeanor violations along with two felony charges; Possession of Precursors and Conspiracy. Her bond was set at a total of $12,500.