Image Credit: Putnam County Sheriff’s Office
Tennessee Conservative News Staff –
Four individuals were arrested in Putnam County after a baby was found in close proximity to fentanyl and other drug paraphernalia.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, a number of complaints were received regarding “heavy traffic coming from a suspected drug house” located on the 1700 block of Old Walton Road.
Deputies with the PCSO Narcotics Unit and Warrants Division were able to contact the home’s owner, Tammy Swallows, who allowed them to access the house.
Once inside, officers discovered drug paraphernalia in the home and were able to identify three individuals inside the residence: Dwight Wilson, Avery Gilpatrick Jr., and Cherish Threet.
Threet was locked inside of a bedroom with a 15-month-old child who was not her child. Also inside the room was fentanyl, more drug paraphernalia, and two guns, all within reach of the baby.
The Department of Children’s Services was called to take custody of the child, and all four adults were arrested.
Swallows, Wilson, and Gilpatrick are charged with Haley’s Law – aggravated child abuse, neglect and endangerment. Each was booked on a $200,000 bond.
Threet was charged with the same but also faces charges of manufacture/delivery/sell of fentanyl; manufacture/delivery/sell of methamphetamine; possession of a weapon during a dangerous felony; possession of drug paraphernalia; and alteration of serial numbers. She was booked on a bond of $417,000.
“The conditions this 15-month-old was found in were unacceptable and extremely dangerous,” Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris stated. “I’m proud of our Detectives for acting quickly to remove the child from this situation and for holding those responsible accountable. I will not tolerate drug activity that puts innocent lives, especially children, at risk in our community.”
