MARION – The Williamson County State’s Attorney’s Office Monday charged four people on drug charges following their arrest by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Saturday at a home in the 1000 block of North 12th Street in Herrin.
According to the sheriff’s office, Hannah L. Hanson, Brittanee B. Cockrum, and Amber D. Holland were charged with Possession of Methamphetamine (a Class 1 felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (a Class A Misdemeanor). Joseph E. Sloat was also charged with Delivery of Methamphetamine 100-400 grams (a Class X felony), Possession of Methamphetamine 100-400 grams (a Class X felony), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (a Class A misdemeanor).
The sheriff’s office executed a search warrant at the North 12th Street home known to be a “drug house” Saturday.
As part of its ongoing investigation, the sheriff’s office began developing intelligence in January of this year which resulted in sufficient probable cause to obtain a search warrant.
Utilizing confidential sources, surveillance, and other investigative tools spanning several months, deputies were able to conclude that the home was a drug house with significant vehicle and pedestrian traffic arriving and departing at all hours.
Shortly after 2:30 Saturday morning, deputies made their way inside the home and found four people smoking methamphetamine in the living room. The suspects were identified as Joseph E. Sloat, Hannah L. Hanson, Brittanee B. Cockrum and Amber D. Holland.
Investigators searched the home and found 5.1 ounces – or 142.3 grams – of crystal methamphetamine, digital scales, packaging material, and drug paraphernalia, and $459 in cash was seized as proceeds of illegal drug activity. A notice of Asset Forfeiture was served to Joseph E. Sloat.
Two of three vehicles parked at the home, which were not part of the search warrant, were towed and impounded after receiving positive K9 alerts to the odor of narcotics. Search warrants for the vehicles are pending.
All suspects mentioned were then cited and taken to the Williamson County Jail.
