Rockford man, woman arrested in separate drug cases
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Jesse Lewis Leonard Jr.
Crystal Marie Harrelson
By Christa Jennings
Senior Staff Writer
A man and woman who reside in the Rockford area were arrested last week in related, but separate, drug-related cases.
Sheriff Michael Howell stated that members of the Sheriff’s Office went to a residence to assist the Coosa County Department of Human Resources with a home visit.
However, when investigators made contact with the homeowner, Jesse Lewis Leonard Jr., they detected the strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the residence.
Howell said that at that point deputies decided to get a search warrant for the residence. With the search warrant issued, investigators found narcotics and drug paraphernalia inside the residence.
Specifically, they discovered 27.71 grams of methamphetamine, as well as pipes used for smoking marijuana, according to Howell.
As such, Leonard, 61 years old, was arrested on December 13 and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.
In a separate yet related case, Howell stated that following that, on December 16 Crystal Marie Harrelson, 40 years old, was arrested and charged with chemical endangerment of a child.
Howell explained that Harrelson was pregnant and recently gave birth to a child who tested positive for methamphetamine.
Leonard’s total bond for all three charges was set at $25,000. He was released on bond on December 14 to await trial.
Harrelson’s bond was set at $15,000, and as of press time she remained in custody at the Coosa County Jail awaiting trial.
Anyone who suspects or observes illegal activity is encouraged to report it to the Coosa County Sheriff’s Office at 256-377-4922 or online at www.coosacountyso.org. Anonymous tips are also welcome.