Oxford: Local Man Arrested for Drug Possession with Intent to Distribute
In a recent turn of events, an Oxford man was apprehended on Jackson Avenue East on charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. The accused, Joey Wells, was also charged with possession of a weapon by a felon.
A Disturbance Leads to Wells’ Arrest
On February 26, the Lafayette County Sheriff’s office was called to a home on County Road 171 for a reported disturbance. The complainant claimed that Wells had brandished a firearm during a dispute. Subsequent investigation into the incident discovered that Wells was a convicted felon. This discovery led to the issuance of a warrant for his arrest on the charge of possession of a firearm by a felon.
Surveillance and Arrest
A day after the warrant was issued, the Oxford Police Department provided investigators with a lead on Wells’ whereabouts. Acting on the information, the deputies set up surveillance outside a house on Jackson Avenue East, where Wells was suspected to be residing. Soon after, they spotted Wells leaving the house in his vehicle.
Wells was apprehending following a traffic stop near James Food Center. He was then transported to the Lafayette County Detention Center.
Search on Jackson Avenue East Property
Following Wells’ arrest, the investigators procured a search warrant for the residence on Jackson Avenue East. The Office of Lafayette County Sheriff and Lafayette County Metro Narcotics executed the search warrant, discovering a firearm and a bag containing a white powdery substance. The investigators suspect the substance to be cocaine, which, if confirmed, would align with the charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
Court Proceedings
Despite a $50,000 bond initially set by a Lafayette County Justice Court Judge, it was later revoked due to Wells’ ongoing involvement in another felony case. At present, Joey Wells is being held at the Lafayette County Detention Center pending the conclusion of further proceedings.
This recent event underscores continuous efforts by law enforcement agencies to maintain a zero-tolerance approach towards drug possession and intent to distribute, particularly by individuals with prior felony convictions.
Local residents are encouraged to contact law enforcement promptly if they have information related to this or similar incidents, thereby contributing to the overall safety and security of the community.
