Following an extensive undercover narcotics investigation, the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Department narcotics division, along with Minden Police narcotics officers Dan Weaver and Marvin Garrett, executed the search of a Springhill residence on Thursday. The search revealed marijuana, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia possessed by three young women and one man.

 

The home and the perpetrators were not at all unfamiliar to the narcotics investigators and officers on scene.

 

“We’ve searched this house before and found drugs,” explained Lt. Shawn Baker, narcotics investigator for the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Department. “I’ve seen and dealt with the same folks that we arrested today; very recently as a matter of fact.”

 

Tiffany Marie Cunningham, 20, of 906 Baker Street in Springhill, the residence that was searched, was arrested and charged with possession of a CDS Schedule I, marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

 

Lindsay Denise Thompson, 26, of Sarepta, was arrested and charged with possession of a CDS Schedule I, marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

 

Desstanie Jo-Lynn Parham, 20, of Taylor, Arkansas, was arrested and charged with possession of a CDS Schedule I, marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

 

All women were transported without incident and booked into the parish jail.

 

As part of the bust, Charles Thomas Allen, 48, a resident of the searched home, was also arrested. Allen has a long history of drug use and distribution, according to Lt. Baker.

 

“This guy has been a nuisance to the public for years,” said Baker. “It’s not his first mess to get into; and he just won’t learn.”

 

Allen’s criminal history of drug use began in 1984, with numerous felony arrests including more than 15 narcotics-related charges.

 

In 2003, Allen was arrested by the Sheriff’s Department for the creation of a methamphetamine lab. This arrest followed an unusual incident when Det. Baker spotted Allen by chance in a local Wal-Mart store filling his basket with known ingredients and supplies used in manufacturing methamphetamine. 

 

“He was loading up on all the specific materials needed to create meth,” said Baker. “It was very obvious—coffee filters, batteries, ether--it was all there.”

 

Baker waited for Allen to complete purchase and exit the store, and then arrested him in the parking lot. Allen was then charged with multiple charges, including two counts of manufacturing, distribution and possession of a CDS Schedule I, methamphetamine and marijuana.

 

Lt. Baker explained that according to law, possessing at least three of the specific items needed to create the methamphetamine drug constitutes the creation of a meth lab. In this incidence, Allen possessed large quantities of more than five specific items.

 

More recently, in May of this year, Allen was arrested again by Sheriff’s investigators following a search of his home. At that time Allen was again charged with creation and operation of a laboratory for the unlawful purpose of manufacturing a CDS Schedule I, methamphetamine, along with a number of other drug related charges. Officers discovered his supplies and methamphetamine product during the search.

 

“That was just at the end of May. The man just made bond on that one and went right back to making it [meth],” Baker said with disbelief. “I just don’t get it.”

 

Following Thursday’s search, Allen was booked with charges of creation of a methamphetamine lab, possession of over 12 grams of ephedrine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, and criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. A large quantity of pills and other supplies were recovered.

 

Allen was transported without incident and booked into the Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

 

“Allen’s been in and out of this system too many times for the same thing.  It’s just ridiculous. So maybe this time he’ll understand the message a bit better; because we’re sending it loud and clear and are requesting a very high bond.”

 

The District Attorney’s office also weighed in on the subject. According to Sherb Sentell, assistant district attorney for D.A. J. Schuyler Marvin, their office will apply more pressure to repeat offenders like Allen. “We will use every means available to keep repeat offenders off the streets, including the multiple offender law,” said Sentell.

 

Allen remains in custody at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center following issuance of collective bond of $201,700.00.