Two Dandridge Arrests Part of Multi-State Drug Operation

Focus is on large distributors and getting the merchandise off of the streets

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, in conjunction with the 4th Judicial Drug Task Force, made two arrests on Monday, March 25, 2013. Arthur Jackson “Jack” Scarlett of 525 W. Hwy. 2570, Dandridge, and Lisa Michele Tipton of 1729 Haire Rd., Dandridge, face federal drug charges for conspiracy to distribute and possession of oxycodone. Jefferson County Sheriff G.W. “Bud” McCoig stated that Scarlett and Tipton were a part of a multi-state drug operation that included pill mills from Florida and Georgia to Tennessee. The Sheriff’s Department and the rest of the 4th Judicial Drug Task Force have spent considerable time laying the ground work for arrests that are a part of big operations. According to Sheriff McCoig, Scarlett has been operating since 2008 and Monday’s arrest will take a bite out of illegal drug activity in the local area. At the time of his arrest, Scarlett had 3 bags of cocaine in his possession. He also faces unrelated charges for theft of beer from a local grocery store over the weekend.

Sheriff McCoig said that the focus is on large distributors and getting the merchandise off of the streets, however, smaller operations are still in the department’s crosshairs. One-pot-meth has been growing in local volume lately, according to the Sheriff, because it is relatively mobile and easy to create.

Both Scarlett and Tipton were arraigned in federal court on Monday. Scarlett will be held on trial.

Source: K. Depew, News Director