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Suspects face drug charges

By Lindsay Slater
The Times-Journal

Published January 9, 2009

Three people were arrested Thursday morning on drug charges after a three-week investigation came to a close.

DeKalb Drug Task Force Agents and Sheriff’s investigators and deputies executed a search warrant at a home on County Road 88 early Thursday morning.

“During the search, agents and other officers discovered large quantities of several types of prescription medications, including Xanax, Oxycontin, Lortab and Soma,” Sheriff Jimmy Harris said. “Also seized were several grams of finished methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, cash, extensive records related to drug transactions and computer equipment.”

Randall Wade Keef, 50, who owns the home, Steven Adam Steele, 26, and Breanna Lynn Silvey, 24, all of Fort Payne, were arrested and charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

Harris said the prescription medications reportedly have several thousand dollars in street value.

“Steele was additionally charged with unlawful distribution of a controlled substance,” Harris said.

Harris said once all of the evidence has been inventoried and examined, additional charges may be filed.

While authorities were searching the home, Sheriff’s Sgt. Alfred Rigstad stopped a vehicle being driven erratically.

“During the stop, Sgt. Rigstad discovered drugs and drug paraphernalia on the person of the driver, identified as John William Willingham, 34 of Rome, Ga.,” Harris said.

Willingham was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

“The stop, although occurring close to the location of the search warrant, was unrelated, and there is no evidence that Willingham is affiliated in any way with the three other subjects,” Harris said.

Harris said he was proud of the work done by all of the departments.

“Not only are we pleased with arrests where we find large quantities of drugs, but also in situations like where Sgt. Rigstad was able to make a traffic stop and get arrest another suspect,” Harris said. “Each incident makes us confident that we are making progress, little by little.”

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