More charges have been brought against a Smithville man who recently posted offensive and blasphemous notes on the properties of several local churches.
57 year old Laddie Bill Jerrells of Long Street, Smithville, who had posted bond on the original charges July 5th, was arrested again on Wednesday July 12 on two additional counts in each case of vandalism, disorderly conduct, harassment, and desecration of honored places. His bond on these new charges is $12,000 and his court date is July 20.
Although these are new charges this is not a new offense. According to Sheriff Ray, another church group came forward after this case was publicized earlier this week to report that someone had taped notes to the front door of their church building on May 30 and July 3 which contained blasphemous and offensive remarks.
The incidents occurred at a time when no church services were being held.
Smithville Police charged Jerrells for two cases in the city. The rest of the charges were brought by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department against Jerrells for the incidents at four churches in the county.
54 year old Jay Kent Williams of South College Street, Smithville is charged with driving under the influence; resisting stop, frisk, halt, arrest, or search; and tampering with evidence. He was further cited for violation of implied consent for refusing to submit to a blood test, driving on roadways laned for travel, no insurance, and violation of the light law. His bond is $10,000 and his court date is July 20. Sheriff Ray said that on Wednesday, July 5 a deputy received a call about a reckless driver in a white Kia. The officer spotted the vehicle northbound on South College Street and he pulled it over for failure to maintain lane of travel and for having a passenger rear tail light out. While speaking with Williams, the officer noticed a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person. His speech was slurred and his eyes were glossy. Williams told the officer that he had consumed one wine cooler and that he was on Xanax. Williams submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. He did not submit to a blood test and he resisted arrest forcing officers to physically restrain him. While being placed in custody, Williams grabbed something from his pocket and held it in his right hand. The officer tried to forcibly open Williams’ hand and saw a yellow bar shaped pill. Williams threw the pill into the grass. It could not be retrieved but Williams told the officer it was a Xanax pill.
34 year old Jamie Clinton Lynn of Short Mountain Highway, Smithville is charged with a sixth offense of driving on a suspended license. His bond is $5,000 and his court date is August 3. Sheriff Ray said that on Monday, July 10 a deputy witnessed Lynn operating a motorcycle on Miller Lane. Knowing that Lynn has active warrants against him, the officer pulled him over. A computer check confirmed that Lynn’s driver license are suspended and have been since March 8, 2004 for failure to pay or answer to original violations. Lynn has five prior offenses against him for driving while license suspended.
48 year old William Arthur Welch of Old West Pont Road, Smithville is charged with driving on a revoked license. He was further cited for failure to maintain lane of travel and for no insurance. His bond is $1,500 and his court date is August 3. Sheriff Ray said that on Tuesday, July 11 a deputy observed a red Dodge Dakota failing to maintain its lane of travel and he pulled it over. The officer also knew that Welch did not have a driver license and had recently been issued a citation for the offense. Welch admitted to the deputy that his license were suspended. A computer check confirmed that his license were revoked in Haywood General Sessions Court for failure to satisfy fines and costs.
59 year old Thomas Richard Squires of Neal Drive, Smithville is charged with violation of an active order of protection and resisting stop, frisk, halt, or search. His bond is $5,000 and his court date is August 3. Sheriff Ray said that on Thursday, July 13 a deputy responded to a residence on Neal Drive where Squires was alleged to have violated an order of protection. Upon arrival the officer found Squires inside a trailer on property which he is under a court order to keep away from. The deputy identified himself after which Squires responded “I’ve got something for you” and “let me unload this pistol”. At that time Squires came outside from the front of the home. The officer ordered Squires several times to raise his hands and to get on the ground but he refused. Squires was forcibly taken to the ground and placed in custody.
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