Five arrested on drug charges in Chipley

CHIPLEY — The Washington County Drug Task Force continues to aggressively attack the drug problems in the city of Chipley as well as the entire county and reports the latest arrests as a result in a news release from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.  Numerous methamphetamine-related investigations were conducted resulting in the arrest of five local individuals. The task force consists of investigators with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Chipley Police Department.

Arrested were:

•Jonathan Everett, 25, of Nearing Hills of Chipley: Possession of listed chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamines

•Randall Hutchins, 30, of Hutchins Lane in Chipley: Possession controlled substance (hydrocodone); Possession methamphetamine; Violation of community control

•Jared McQueen, 30, of Damascus Road in Graceville: Possession of Methamphetamine

•Simpson Stephens, 39, of 1335 Forrest Avenue in Chipley: Possession of methamphetamine; Possession of drug paraphernalia

•Barbie Doman, 33, of 1335 Forrest Avenue in Chipley: Possession of methamphetamine; Possession of drug paraphernalia

An early morning drug raid at a home on Forrest Avenue in Chipley resulted in the arrest of three of the above suspects.  “The residence on Forrest Avenue is less than 1,000 feet from Kate M. Smith Elementary School and is in a well established neighborhood,” said Chipley Police Chief Kevin Crews. “Illegal drug activity is always an unfavorable situation, but to be this close to hundreds of our community’s children, makes it even more intolerable.” 

During the drug raid, methamphetamines and drug paraphernalia was found. Numerous resources were utilized in the investigations including the K-9, citizen tips and the hard work of both officers and investigators.

Sheriff Bobby Haddock said, “There is no community immune to methamphetamines and we are no exception.  Complacency is neither an option we can afford nor a state of mind we will accept.  Continued vigilance is priority one for both our departments.”

Haddock asks that anyone with information on illegal drug activity contact the DTF at 638-TIPS (8477) or by email at tips@wcso.us.