Theft Leads to Drugs

By Glenn Collins
Monday, August 20, 2012 | 2:34 PM
https://hbtv.us/news/?story_id=1244

A year-long investigation culminated Friday morning with the execution of three search warrants, the seizure of drugs, stolen property and paraphernalia, and four arrests, according to statements from Winston County Sheriff's Office personnel.

An investigation into stolen property begun a year ago lead investigators to a drug operation. Law enforcement discovered that stolen property was being exchanged for drugs.

Thirty plus law enforcement personnel from five agencies executed three search warrants beginning at 9 AM Friday at the David Scruggs residence off AL13 and at the two Valentine residences on CR17, just off AL13 in the Delmar area. Law enforcement seized over 1/2 pound of marijuana, marijuana plants, weapons, drug paraphernalia, stolen property and pills in the three raids.

Elements of the WCSO Special Operations Group, ABC, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, Jasper Police SWAT and the 25th JDC District Attorney's Office participated in the operation. WCSO Sgt. Shawn Kelley began planning the raids two weeks ago. He said of the departments who assisted, "Without their help we wouldn't have been able to do it. A year-long investigation came to an end today because of these guys and I want to thank them."

Frankie Mark Valentine, 43; David Michael Scruggs, 29; James Carl Valentine III, 49; and John Junior Valentine, 49, were all arrested during the raids and face multiple charges.

James Carl Valentine III	John Junior Valentine	Frankie Mark Valentine	David Michael Scruggs