On Tuesday, June 07, 2011, agents with the George County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Division, and the Lucedale Police Department Narcotics Division conducted a traffic stop on a 1995 Chevy van near Brushy Creek Road on Hwy 98. A search of the vehicle led to the arrest of the driver, Curba Merrill, (53), of George County for possession of a controlled substance. After further investigation, agents were led to Merrill’s residence at the 100 block of Tinys Lane. When agents arrived, they found a white male, Lawton David Brown (26), of George County sitting on an ATV with a bag containing suspected precursor chemicals. When agents approached Brown, he fled on the ATV. The ATV and precursor chemicals were recovered and Brown continued to flee on foot. Later that night Brown turned himself into the George County Sheriff’s Department and was charged with possession of precursor chemicals with intent to manufacture methamphetamine. Also found inside Merrill’s residence were additional precursor chemicals and methamphetamine. Merrill appeared before Justice Court Judge Norman C. Howell, and his bond was set at $10,000.00 Commercial Bond. Brown also received a $10,000.00 commercial bond from Justice Court Judge Norman C. Howell but is currently being held in the George County Regional Jail for the Mississippi Department of Corrections from a prior drug related charge.

On Friday, June 10, 2011, agents with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, George County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Division and the Lucedale Police Department Narcotics Division conducted a traffic stop on a gray Cadillac on Hwy 98 East, which led to the arrest of Kimberly Denise Cowart (35), of George County, for driving under suspension and possession of precursor chemicals with intent to manufacture methamphetamine. Two other occupants, Rosa Mcdonald (36) and Brenda Davis (56), both of George County, were arrested for possession of alcohol. Mcdonald also had an active warrant through George County Justice Court.    

These arrests were investigated by the George County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Division, Lucedale Police Department Narcotics Division, and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.

Authorized for release by Sheriff John A. Keel