Six Years & Seven Months Later...Still in the System

When the white powder settled in the Shoals in June 2014, five people were dead and 22 individuals had been arrested on various charges related to heroin trafficking. There were at least two family-type units involved in the arrests; one has been in the news again this week.

It didn't take much digging to find that all three from this family are still in the state legal system over six years later, with two being currently incarcerated:

Candace Carol Irons - Original charges: Candace Carol Irons, 48, 200 Garfield Ave., Florence; conspiracy to distribute heroin. - Conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime and two counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance. 

C. Irons was eventually sentenced in those crimes for several months actual incarceration and then probation.

Now: Prison Spotlight

Brady Ann Irons - Original charges: Brady Ann Irons, 29, 521 Collier St., Florence; two counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance. - Indicted: Unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, trafficking synthetic drugs and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia

B. Irons was never sentenced to any actual incarceration, but only drug rehab and probation. It was alleged at the time that Irons reported her court-appointed attorney had either requested or demanded sex from her, and she was given special privileges due to the irregularity. 

Now: Brady Irons was arrested in Lauderdale, Franklin, Cullman, and Autauga Counties last year on theft charges. She was either given probation on these charges or they have not yet been adjudicated.

John Wesley Akin - Original charge: John Wesley Akin, 26, 521 Collier St., Florence; two counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance. - Indicted: Unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, trafficking heroin, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Akin was sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison on combined charges from Lauderdale and Morgan Counties. He was paroled almost three years ago due to pleas for recognition of his extraordinary efforts at rehabilitation while incarcerated.

Now: January 2021 Arrest

What do the above cases indicate about the State of Alabama? Why are its drug rehab programs, costing the DOC hundreds of thousands to run, failing so many who participate in them? 

Is the state doing too much? Or too little?

SEC Primary/Sadie Hawkins Day

Tomorrow is SEC Primary Day. Vote…but don’t vote blindly. We hope everyone has researched the candidates thoroughly by now. It’s not a beauty contest or a popularity contest. It’s an election that has consequences for all citizens. Here again are our endorsements:

State Board of Education Place 7: Jim Bonner

Colbert County Commission Place 5: Roger Creekmore

Lauderdale License Commissioner (D): Tony Cox

Lauderdale License Commissioner (R): Billy Hammock

Lauderdale County Commission District 1: John Hargett

Lauderdale County Commission Chair: Danny Pettus

Lauderdale Circuit Judge Place 1: William Smith

Lauderdale Circuit Judge Place 2: Will Powell

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Bad Boys & Their Pen Pals

Perhaps you read recently of Florida inmate Mark DeFriest, a 55 year-old man who’s been incarcerated since he was 19. While it’s an interesting story in itself, another remarkable facet to DeFriest’s tale is that he’s married to an 85 year-old woman whom he met via what’s termed a “pen pal scheme.” We’re not sure why it was labeled a scheme, but obviously many inmates use women while they’re on the inside.

John Wesley Akin

We’ve been contacted by one woman, a mother of two small children, who was (and perhaps still is) a pen pal of J.J. Common, and we’ve also been told that Wes Akin has a prison pen pal account. We can’t definitely say that any man in prison won’t go straight once free, that he won’t make a good husband and father, that he will never be able to support himself honestly. What we can say is it’s infinitely better to wait until these men are once again free and then re-evaluate any relationship with them. Once married, it’s a little bit difficult to go your separate ways. We’ll add that sending them your hard earned money isn’t exactly brilliant either. Nor is having unprotected sex with them once they’re out.

So how many women reading this, young or old or anywhere in between, think this applies to them? Our guess would be zero, but if we can reach just one that’s a major victory.

That being said, today is Sadie Hawkins' Day. If you’re looking, why not ask out that nice guy in the office down the hall or the new guy at church? Just be sure to first ask if they’re on probation or under indictment.

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Downtown fine dining? Check out the health department scores for two Court Street eateries published in yesterday’s TD. The Pie Factory scored only 78, while Ricatonni’s barely beat them at 80. Perhaps this will narrow down the location of your Sadie Hawkins’ Day date.



Shoalanda

The Real Cost of Heroin in the Shoals

We regularly see women who are pulled into the underbelly of society by drugs. These women leave their families to trade their favors to drug dealers, or perhaps to anyone who can pay, in order to obtain cash to purchase drugs. Certainly politics isn’t the only institution to make strange bedfellows.

Is it only women who become embroiled with partners they would ordinarily not look twice at? No. A recent pair of drug arrests/pleas/trials proved that the degradation drugs bring can affect males as well as females.

So how is preppy, Habitat for Humanity volunteer, scholar, businessman John Wesley Akin fairing at Limestone Prison? We have no idea. We still have high hopes for Mr. Akin when he can finally shake off his prison shackles in 20 years (or perhaps less depending upon parole). Akin’s female partner in crime Brady Irons has yet to have her case adjudicated. It will be interesting to see how her sentence compares to Akin’s 20 years and her mother Candace’s 8 years.

Akin Gets 20 Years

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Speaking of drugs…have you had a longer wait at a certain area McDonald’s drive-thru recently? We hear at least one window attendant was dealing drugs during his late night shift. So…it isn’t just breakfast that’s served 24 hours a day?

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Remember to wrap up in this cold January weather. If the cold really bothers you, we suggest moving to Montgomery in February; we hear there’ll be non-stop hot air in our capital city for several weeks.



Shoalanda

The "Heroin 22"

Last June, 22 Shoals citizens were arrested in a massive heroin sweep conducted by combined local authorities and federal agents. We continue to get questions about the arrests and are offering a partial clarification of these charges since many of these major players were indicted in January.

The eight names in dark red face both local and federal charges. Bold italics indicate actual state indictment charges that are usually stiffer than original arrest charges. Eight were indicted in January and more indictments are anticipated later.

Jasmond Dewand “Jazz” Foster, 26, 420 Hensley St., Florence; trafficking heroin.

William Earl “Buck” Foster Jr., 33, 420 Hensley Court, Florence; unlawful distribution of a controlled substance. - Trafficking heroin.

Shawna Caroline Foster, 36, 420 Hensley Court, Florence; conspiracy to distribute heroin.

Jerry Ray “J-Ray” Cochran, 40, 326 N. Franklin St., Florence; conspiracy to distribute heroin.

Thomas Rashawn “Ham” Barnett, 27, Florence; five counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance.

William Earl “Lil Beck” Coffey, 27, 1605 E. 26th St., Sheffield; conspiracy to distribute heroin.

Wallace Earl “Duke” Beckwith, 47, 3016 Woodward St., Florence; conspiracy to distribute heroin.

Ashley Lauren King, 26, 1605 E. 26th St., Sheffield; conspiracy to distribute heroin.

Kasey Lynn Yarbrough, 26, 430 N. Cedar St., Florence; conspiracy to distribute heroin.

Jerry Lee Keeton Jr., 28, 5521 Lauderdale 34, Killen; attempting to commit a controlled substance crime.

Candace Carol Irons, 48, 200 Garfield Ave., Florence; conspiracy to distribute heroin. - Conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime and two counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance.

William H. “Trey” Kimbrough III, 37, Ricks Lane, Leighton; conspiracy to distribute heroin.

Lindsay Arlene James, 30, 127 Gilbert Court, Apartment A, Florence; conspiracy to distribute heroin. - Indicted: Conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime.

Charles Devell Richardson, 39, 127 Gilbert Court, Apartment A, Florence; conspiracy to distribute heroin.

Chad Brian Balentine, 35, 420 Hensley Court, Florence; conspiracy to distribute heroin. Indicted: Conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime.

Vanna Leann Denson, 27, Muscle Shoals; conspiracy to distribute heroin. - Indicted: Conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime.

Jason Daniel Austin, 33, 235 Minnehaha St., Florence; conspiracy to distribute heroin.

John Wesley Akin, 26, 521 Collier St., Florence; two counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance. - Indicted: Unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, trafficking heroin, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brady Ann Irons, 29, 521 Collier St., Florence; two counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance. - Indicted: Unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, trafficking synthetic drugs and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Aundrey Barnard Brown, 44, Florence; unlawful distribution of a controlled substance.

Jeremy Desmond “Toot” Wells, 28, 2255 Randolph St., Florence; seven counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance. - Indicted: Unlawful distribution of a controlled substance.

Colos Santious Vaughn, 30, 502 Short St., Florence; two counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance.

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Trey Kimbrough, Wes Akin, Brady Irons, Candace Irons

For whom should we feel sympathy? Those who died from these drugs, but took them willingly...or those who knowingly sold them for profit...or no one at all?

We know that at least one who died was taking the drug for pain resulting from injuries due to military service. Was it that smart? Perhaps not, but we haven't walked that mile in his shoes.

We're going to offer our sympathy to those who died or were otherwise hurt by these dealers/traffickers. Each and everyone knew exactly what he/she was doing when they sold these drugs, sometimes to teenagers.



Shoalanda

Update on Jason Dewayne Green Sentencing

Looking at two domestic violence deaths today, let's start with Jason Dewayne Green. His sentencing is to be April 7th. Green, by reason of his plea, cannot be sentenced to more than 19 years and 364 days--in other words, just one day short of 20 years. Green anticipates more correctional incentive time, we're told; however, all laws we've found indicate that 15 years is the plateau that excludes CIT.

Judge Terry Dempsey may offer Green a much shorter sentence; his track record is certainly sketchy in such cases. Green may also hope for early parole. Remember, just signing a deal for a sentence doesn't mean he cannot ask for parole or other considerations.

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James Travis Murks

We understand that Kimberly Johnson had three sons (we had reported two yesterday). Our sincere sympathies to all her family.

We have always been told that the State of Tennessee is much sterner on murder cases than Alabama. If James Travis Murks had been arrested in Alabama, he would have been charged with Felony Murder. In Tennessee, he's charged with First Degree Murder and eligible for the death penalty or Life Without. Let's hope prosecutors can make this charge stick.

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Wes Akin

We recently asked a legal eagle friend of ours to clarify the drug trafficking laws in Alabama concerning synthetic drugs which were not originally addressed in the Alabama Code. Since this question was asked specifically about the major drug bust which included John Wesley Akin, our friend inferred he was convicted under the "Trafficking Enterprise" act. A reader has questioned this since Akin received a 17 year sentence rather than 25 for his Morgan County trafficking charge.

It will be extremely interesting to see the results of his Lauderdale County case. Was he a "kingpin?" This appellation was given him by the Morgan County authorities who initially arrested him. Our personal take would be more middle management, but we're sure the Morgan cops got a thrill out of using the term kingpin.



Shoalanda

Jason Dewayne Green Cops A Plea

Jason Dewayne Green, indicted in the shooting death of his girlfriend Shay Ledlow, has accepted a plea in Franklin County. The plea allowed Green to avoid murder charges; it also allowed him off the hook on four felony theft charges related to his Russellville salvage business.

Green will face Judge Terry Dempsey in 30 to 45 days. Dempsey can sentence Green to as much as 20 years, but we doubt that he will. Let's hope Green has to do more actual time than two years.

Jason Green Indicted

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Ladies, if he hits you once, he will hit you again...or shoot you the next time and say you committed suicide. We here at Shoalanda don't know why Shay Ledlow returned to live with her abuser. No matter the reason, it cost her her life.

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We understand the meeting concerning disenfranchising Florence voters in the Lauderdale County superintendent's race was sparsely attended; however, it seemed the consensus was Phillip Pettus' inane bill will not get out of committee. One attendee did want to know whom Pettus was shilling for. We do too.

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A reader asked the definition of "drug trafficking." This seems to state it succinctly:

(a) This section shall be known as the "Alabama Drug Trafficking Enterprise Act." For purposes of this section, a person is engaged in a criminal enterprise for the purpose of trafficking in illegal drugs if that person violates any provision of Section 13A-12-231, and such violation is:

(1) Undertaken by such person in concert with five or more other persons with respect to whom such person occupies a position of organizer, a supervisory position, or any other position of management, and

(2) From which such person obtains substantial income or resources.

(b) For purposes of this section, "substantial income" means any amount exceeding the established minimum wage, as established by law.

(c) Any person who engages in a criminal enterprise for the purpose of trafficking in illegal drugs shall be punished as follows:

(1) Upon the first conviction of violation of this section, he shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 25 calendar years or for any mandatory term of calendar years up to and including life without parole and to a fine of not less than $50,000.00 nor more than $500,000.00.

(2) Upon the second conviction of violation of this section, he must be sentenced to a mandatory term of imprisonment for life without parole and to a fine of not less than $150,000.00 nor more than $1,000,000.00.

(3) In no event shall the term of imprisonment or the amount of fine imposed under this section be less than the corresponding term of imprisonment or fine authorized in Section 13A-12-231, for the underlying violation of that section, including application of the Habitual Felony Offender Act, as determined by the type and amount of the particular illegal drug involved.

(d) The courts of Alabama shall have jurisdiction to enter such restraining orders or prohibitions, or to take such other actions, including the acceptance of satisfactory performance bonds, in connection with any property or other interest subject to forfeiture under Section 20-2-93 as they shall deem proper.

- See more at: http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/alcode/13A/12/5/3/13A-12-233#sthash.a3avStAf.dpuf

We don't know the specifics in any current local cases. We can say that from previous arrests and trials, it's usual to have these transactions on audio and video tape--more or less a slam dunk unless the accused can produce an evil twin.

It does bring up the case of John Wesley Akin. He's facing trafficking charges in Lauderdale after being convicted in Morgan on similar charges. Does he qualify for "Life Without?" We're guessing he doesn't since he had not been convicted in Morgan before being arrested in Lauderdale. It will be interesting to see if Akin will accept a plea and to learn his ultimate fate.



Shoalanda

Bad Boy Updates

(3) Any person who knowingly sells, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, four grams or more of any morphine, opium, or any salt, isomer, or salt of an isomer thereof, including heroin, as described in Section 20-2-23(2) or Section 20-2-25(1)a., or four grams or more of any mixture containing any such substance, is guilty of a felony, which felony shall be known as "trafficking in illegal drugs." If the quantity involved:
a. Is four grams or more, but less than 14 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three calendar years and to pay a fine of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
- See more at: http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/alcode/13A/12/5/3/13A-12-231#sthash.ap70V1Ua.dpuf

We were unaware that 14 grams of heroin made one the North Alabama kingpin, but apparently it does.

John Wesley Akin in Limestone

The Alabama Code states:

Click to Enlarge

Now it would seem the most pertinent question is how much was he caught with in Florence during his last arrest. More than 14 grams and it's a mandatory 10 years.

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Andrew Daniel Scott has been moved to Draper Correctional Facility in Elmore County. This answers at least one of the questions from readers. Hottie Scottie is still accruing good time, so he's still trouble free. Let's hope this is the turn-around for him.

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We're always surprised at the misinformation disseminated by local voters. First, both Florence and Lexington are in Lauderdale County. Someone who lives in Lexington does indeed live in "the county," but so does one who lives in Florence.

Would a sheriff who lives in Florence police only Florence? Unless there's a terrorist attack, we doubt he'll do any "policing" of Florence. Florence has its own police department...just as Lexington does. The difference is that Lexington and similar small towns do call on the sheriff's office for assistance from time to time. If you're convinced Rick Singleton won't assist "the county," why are you convinced Hendershot, who was not born in Lauderdale County as Rick was, would do better? Logic isn't everyone's strong point...

We'll just inject here that we've been accused of being one of Augie's ex-wives. No. Never met Augie. We're sure he's a great person, but we feel Rick Singleton will make the better sheriff.

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Shoalanda

Why Anonymity?

We have always promised our contributors anonymity unless they wish credit for their work. We do not plan to change that policy. We also have always, detractors' opinions aside, published work sent to us with which we either partially or totally disagree. We believe in giving a voice to the public and to our readers in particular. If any readers wonder why we don't have more guest commentaries, it's because most readers will not respond with anything...simple as that.

As stated earlier, we disagree with most of the assessment on Lauderdale County School Board member Chad Holden, but no, we will not name the cartoonist or the person who sent it to us--two different individuals. If you send us any work, we will keep your name in confidence.

BTW, we always love it when a reader posts on FB that we don't offer rebuttal to our opinions. We have practically begged for it in the past. Why do some take the time to kvetch about blog content, but not to offer a public rebuttal? Readers?

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We've had questions about Brady Ann Irons, currently incarcerated in the Florence Detention Center on two counts of heroin sales. First, to answer one question, she is NOT charged with trafficking. Second, she faces the same two charges her lover boy Wes Akin faces from that particular drug roundup.

We assume the two were together during the sale. A good attorney should be able to get these charges reduced since they don't involve trafficking. Trafficking charges, by Alabama law, cannot be reduced. Ta ta, Wes...



Shoalanda

Children Need a Mother...and a Father

Just some random thoughts about parents, crime, and drug addiction...

1. If a person has been arrested five times for drugs, they may have already been sent to rehab. They don't want help; they want more drugs. See Hottie Scottie.

2. Yes...so many drug users are cute. What about the ones that have reached the age of 40 and are ugly in their dissipation? Do they deserve less help?

3. The user really loves her/his son/daughter? Really? How can you tell? They just love drugs more... Oh, and does Miss Irons' former boyfriend have her son now? Is that what she wanted? We somehow doubt it.

4. Why single out two (John Wesley Akin & Brady Ann Irons) for mention? Answer: Akin is labeled THE KINGPIN of heroin in Northwest Alabama and he lives with Irons. At least Akin had a good upbringing. That makes it more of a shock to some who value education as the way to a better life...not drugs.

5. Criticism from HE? Let's see, H...how many times did this blog make excuses for you when you participated in a home invasion and went to prison? I don't imagine anyone here will make that mistake again no matter how much they care for your family and late grandfather.

6. BTW, H, if you really love that child you're about to become a father to, you just might want to marry his/her mother. If not, in 20 or so years, we'll be writing about him/her just like you and your father have been written about so often in the TD.

7. Use profanity in your comments on Facebook? You will be banned. Then no one will read what you have to say, at least on our page.



Shoalanda

Return to Heroin Central

Changing Face of Brady Irons' Mug Shots

If anyone doubted heroin was making a comeback in this area, the recent arrests in Florence should confirm how prevalent it is. What was missing from these arrest reports?

Anyone charged with trafficking automatically forfeits his/her vehicle...right? That would now make two lost cars for John Wesley Akin.

And just how many of those arrested will be charged in the four local deaths? All of them?

We understand that Akin's squeeze Brady Ann Irons was a server at Rosie's. Apparently, this was her fourth drug arrest. We have to wonder if she thinks it was worth it.

And John Wesley Akin? He certainly needs help, but if he's convicted on all the charges currently facing him, he won't have to worry about succumbing to temptation for decades.

One of his high school teachers has stated Akin was a straight "A" student and God's gift, so to speak. Well, so much for that...



Shoalanda

John Wesley Akin & Gangsta Jazz?

A reader has asked if John Wesley Akin, currently under indictment in Lauderdale County, Morgan County, and Florida, was wearing an ankle monitor when he pulled a bunk earlier in the week. Considering the seriousness of his charges, that may very well have been the case. He could have removed the monitor or disabled it in some way resulting in an almost immediate missing person search.

It’s also possible that a family member or even friend has helped with Akin’s bail and was keeping close track on the alleged heroin dealer. When the financial backer thought there was a distinct possibility Akin was on the run, he or she immediately reported him missing. He was apprehended within 24 hours of his disappearance.

Akin, like Trey Kimbrough, faces a very stern sentence should he be convicted, not only because of the amount of heroin found in Akin’s vehicle last year, but also because of his past brushes with the law. Also as with Kimbrough, we’ve had readers tell us of Akin’s good points and his love for his family.

Unfortunately, if convicted, Akin faces a very likely 25 year sentence with no chance of early release due to his previous crimes. That may still be less than Kimbrough will face if convicted since the Lauderdale District Attorney’s office is sure to attempt to indict Kimbrough on felony murder charges as well.

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A reader tells us that Florence High School recently held a “Gangsta Jazz” concert. Is being a gangsta now something of which to aspire?

Shoalanda

A Horse With Many Names Comes to Florence

Florence Police Chief Ron Tyler says smack is back. You know...horse, the Big H, maybe Mexican brown or China white. We’re sure there are plenty of other names, but it’s been a long time since we read a Rolling Stone.

But don’t worry, we live in an enlightened age. The State of Alabama knows how to handle it. If meth is a problem, outlaw Sudafed. Now heroin? Get your Veterans Day poppy now folks; by November, they’ll be illegal. 

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Just how does someone get on heroin? Say what you will about pot, but it’s not a gateway drug (and no, Shoalanda does not do it.) Does someone just wake up one morning with back pain and think the Tylenol no longer cuts it, so they’ll give heroin a try? We don’t think so. We often laugh at many misconceptions concerning drugs, but in the case of heroin, we believe the term “pusher” hits the mark. You know: Try it, you’ll like it.

So besides possible death, just what are the drawbacks of heroin use and dealing. For starters, heroin is one of the drugs included in the state trafficking law. There will be no plea offers, there will be no probation, and there will be no parole. Once in prison, there will be no work release. Not a pleasant picture is it?

Do we think anything written here will influence even one possible user? In a word, no. Local authorities are asking parents to talk to their children. Not bad advice in some cases, but certainly not effective with all. How about seeing a young successful man have his name plastered all over the front page and then watching him go south for a long time? For those who say such arrests shouldn’t be publicized, we say yes they should. It may be the only deterrent available, and saving one life is worth it.

John Wesley Akin

Shoalanda

Retakes and Reruns

The Quad-Cities Daily has an excellent article on the three new board appointments for the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, as well as some candid discussion of what precipitated the three most recent resignations...or should we say four.

New Board Members

Rodney Hall has also contacted us to report the building and exhibits are in much better shape than has previously been reported. It would seem one salient question remains: Will the AMHOF move, leaving a token exhibit in Tuscumbia?

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A reader asked if the AMHOF will actively seek a new director. At some point, yes, but without funds for a salary, we doubt there will be many applicants...

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The young man described as the king pin of Tennessee Valley heroin trafficking has again been arrested. This brings the number of known arrests for John Wesley Akin to five:

New Arrest for John Wesley Akin

Shoalanda