On August 28, 2022 Sergeant Junior Fields and Deputy Nathan Williams travelled to the residence of Melanie Williams in Carthage, TN to investigate a tip that Williams was dealing heroin. Upon entering the residence Williams was advised that officers had been given information regarding the presence of heroin in her home and were there to conduct a search.
Williams was advised of her Miranda Rights and she immediately demanded that officers leave her residence. Officers had made the necessary contacts and were waiting for approval for a search warrant. Sgt. Fields stepped out of the residence and received confirmation of the from ADA Samantha Key who indicated that the residence should be secured while the search warrant was being obtained. Deputy Jordan Green arrived on the scene to assist while the warrant was obtained.
Upon conducting the approved search 17.09 grams of crystal methamphetamine, scales with methamphetamine residue, a glass methamphetamine pipe with methamphetamine residue and baggies consistent with distribution were all found in the bedroom of another occupant identified as Danielle Rhinehart, 20, of Chesnut Mound, TN.
Both Rhinehart and Williams were arrested and transported to the Smith County Jail for processing. Currency belonging to Rhinehart and Williams totaling $903.00 was also seized since it was believed to be obtained from illegal drug transactions in accordance with the State of Tennessee Forfeiture Laws. Neither women were employed.
Rhinehart was charged with possession of methamphetamine and felony drug paraphernalia possession. She was released on $31,500 bond. Williams was charged with possession of methamphetamine, felony drug paraphernalia possession, and tampering with evidence since she indicated she had thrown heroin in the creek prior to the search. Williams was released with a $34,500 bond.
