Thursday, February 20, 2025–6:30 p.m.
-Cherokee County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office News Release-
According to Cherokee County, Alabama Sheriff Jeff Shaver:
Sheriff’s Office Investigators were alerted to a stolen vehicle with a switched tag located at a property on County Road 66. The vehicle confirmed stolen from Gordon County, Georgia, was just the tip of the iceberg. Upon investigating further, authorities uncovered a rather “unusual” stash of illegal drugs in the most unexpected of places–a toilet. Paraphernalia containing an illegal substance was found submerged in the toilet bowl. Despite its odd hiding spot, the substance field-tested positive for narcotics, leading to the arrest of three suspects at the scene.
Further investigation revealed a significant drug operation at the residence. The stolen vehicle was seized and towed from the property.
The following individuals were arrested and face multiple charges:
Michael Dale Smart (48, Mentone) – Charged with Trafficking Fentanyl, Trafficking Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd Degree, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
Whitney Latricia Jackson (33,Lafayette, GA) – Charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd Degree, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and an outstanding warrant from Gordon County, GA.
Samantha Dawn Jackson (43, Lafayette, GA) – Charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd Degree, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
The three suspects were transported to the Cherokee County Jail without incident. The stolen vehicle was recovered and towed until the victim is able to retrieve it.
Sheriff Shaver commented, “While some might have tried to hide their drugs, flushing them certainly wasn’t the solution. Rest assured, we will continue to find and seize illegal narcotics, no matter where they’re hidden.”
