Fayette Sheriff’s Drug Task Force (DTF) May 17 made seven arrests and seized street-level quantities of marijuana and methamphetamine after executing four search warrants at two locations. DTF made five arrests at Landmark Mobile Home park on marijuana and meth charges and two additional misdemeanor marijuana arrests on Old Greenville Road. But it was the condition of that residence that had agents calling Fayette Dept. of Family & Children’s Services (DFACS).

Arrested in south Fayette County at their Old Greenville Road residence were 38 year-old Larry Betsill and 33 year-old Melanie Betsill, both on misdemeanor marijuana charges, said DTF Lt. Jody Thomas.

“We had received information about the residence,” Thomas said in reference to agents obtaining the search warrant.

Thomas said agents found more than the small amount of marijuana that led to the charges against the couple. They found animal feces in every room of the house, including the playroom used by the six year-old boy for whom Melanie Betsill had temporary custody, Thomas said. In addition to the feces apparently left by numerous dogs an cats found inside the home, agents found an abundance of filth, including rodent nests inside, a number of dead roaches inside a dresser drawer and food evident only in the refrigerator, he said. Agents contacted DFACS over concerns about the child’s health and safety, Thomas said.

Agents said an older man not related to the Betsills’ was also living at the home.

Thomas said additional charges may be pending in relation to the condition of the home or the child’s living environment.

Also arrested May 17 at the mobile home park was Landmark resident William Smith, 33, on charges of possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor marijuana possession, 42 year-old Tyrone resident Anthony Smith, 42, on charges of possession of methamphetamine and Landmark resident Jodi Mann, 30, on misdemeanor marijuana charges, according to Thomas. Other Landmark residents arrested May 17 were Adrian Black, 28, for possession of a Schedule IV drug and Shanandor Black, 34, for misdemeanor marijuana possession, Thomas said.

Drug task force agents and S.W.A.T. team members executed three simultaneous search warrants at Landmark at approximately 6:30 p.m. The homes were searched and the five taken into custody without incident, Thomas said. The raid Thursday evening was significant even though agents found only small quantities of drugs.

“We have been conducting operations in the park for sometime now,” thomas said. “We have been collecting evidence and establishing probable cause needed to secure and execute the search warrants.”

Thomas spoke highly of the Landmark residents who want to see their community free of drugs and he offered a word of caution for those intent on using and dealing in the community.

“We’ve had complaints and concerns from the Landmark community. We know there are drugs there and we intend to give it our full attention,” Thomas said. “If you’re dealing or using in Landmark I would take this as a warning.”

Thomas invited Fayette County residents with information on illegal drugs to contact the task force confidentially at (770) 460-5835.

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