Man arrested after marijuana found in storage locker

June 19, 2017

(Smith County Insider Press) — A Carthage man was arrested and faces several charges after marijuana was found in his storage locker Friday, June 9.

Sgt. Junior Fields of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office deployed K-9 Constance for a free air sniff of storage units at the Turkey Creek Boat Storage as part of an investigation.

The K-9 indicated at the door of the unit belonging to James Chandler (52, Carthage) by sniffing and setting at said location, according to the arrest warrant.

Fields notified Sheriff Steve Hopper and advised him of what he had, and it was determined that Lt. Detective Kit Jenkins would be needed to assist with obtaining a search warrant for the storage unit, according to the arrest warrant.

Fields had Deputy Terrence Adams come to the location to stand by while Fields went to obtain the search warrant.

Sheriff Hopper then took over for Adams in order for patrol units to be clear for other calls for service.

After obtaining a search warrant through General Sessions Judge Michael Collins, Fields received information from Sheriff Hopper that Chandler, whom Fields knew currently had a revoked license, had pulled into the parking lot of the storage unit and then left after seeing Hopper, according to the arrest warrant.

Deputy Kendra Grisham made contact with Chandler initially as he passed her on Main Street in Carthage.

Grisham advised Fields that Chandler was coming in his direction, and Fields observed him turn onto Jefferson Avenue, at which time Fields activated his emergency lights along with Grisham.

According to the arrest warrant, Chandler stopped just past the Smith County Rescue Squad facility.

Chandler was taken into custody for driving on a revoked license at that time and was advised by Fields that he had a search warrant for his storage unit and that a search would be conducted pursuant to the search warrant.

Fields had Chandler perform the standardized field sobriety tests, at which Chandler stated he had drank five or six beers, according to the arrest warrant.

Chandler completed the tests to standard and was thus not charged with driving under the influence.

Deputy Adams transported Chandler to the Smith County Jail Facility for booking.

Fields went back to the storage unit and met with Sheriff Hopper, Lt. Jenkins and the owner of the storage facility.

Upon unlocking the storage unit, Sheriff Hopper, Lt. Jenkins, Deputy Adams and Sgt. Fields searched the location. Fields located a gallon zip lock bag inside a cooler, which contained a smaller bag with approximately 27.8 grams of marijuana inside.

Chandler is charged with driving on a revoked license and the manufacture/delivery/sell of a controlled substance.

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James Ernest Chandler