SCU investigation nets 2 arrests on possession charges

Image
Body

Lorie Kessler Smith, 57, and James Dean Smith, 59, both of Sulphur Springs, were arrested by officers of the Sulphur Springs Police Department’s Special Crimes Unit at 11 a.m. Thursday at a residence on County Road 1185 on possession charges.

The SCU was conducting an investigation that originated at the Sulphur Springs Middle School involving a student in possession of marijuana. Lt. Mark Estes and Hopkins County deputies responded to the guardian’s residence and gained consent to enter. Officers reportedly smelled a strong odor of marijuana upon entry.

Estes reportedly conducted a consent search and allegedly located 5.12 ounces of marijuana and several THC pens containing THC.

The Smiths reportedly confessed to possessing the marijuana and THC. Both were arrested and charged with possession of 4 ounces to 5 pounds of marijuana and possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance. Child Protective Services was called in to assist with the child at the school.

No bond was set for James Smith. Lorie Smith’s bond was set at $10,000. Both remained in custody as of press time Friday, according to reports.