While on patrol Deputy Nathan Williams observed an unattended vehicle close to a common location locals use as an easily accessible yard sale location at the intersection of Hwy 25 and Hwy 80. A check of the tags and registration revealed the identity of the vehicle owner. Deputy Williams was able to see the vehicle owner at the sale. He approached and questioned him. The vehicle owner was identified as Joshua Edison. It was determined that he had an outstanding warrant from Ashland City. Additionally, a female traveling with Edison was also questioned. Samantha Keaton also had an an outstanding warrant from Putnam County. Both were arrested and transported to the Smith County Correctional Facility.
Soon after the interaction and transport of Edison and Keaton, Deputy Williams was called back to the location. 6 ounces of methamphetamine in a ziploc bag had been discovered by individual(s) who had called in the information from the yard sale. The drugs had been placed in the box purses that were being sold. After further questioning, Keaton indicated that Edison had placed the drugs in the purse when Deputy Williams approached the couple during the initial interaction.
Edison was charged with tampering with or fabricating evidence and possession of methamphetamine. Edison posted bond and was released from Smith County Corrections to the law enforcement from Ashland City. Keaton was charged with possession of methamphetamine, violation of parole and introduction of contraband into the jail. She is being held without a bond for future court dates in Smith and Putnam Counties.
