Murfreesboro resident charged with maintaining a drug premises

On November 7th, Murfreesboro Police Chief Randy Lamb, Pike County Investor Jason McDonald, and Special Agent John Jones of the 9th West Drug Task Force went to 405 W Main St in Murfreesboro, after receiving several complaints of possible drug activity, due to people in and out all hours of the night.

Officers have been watching the house for several weeks and observed all the different traffic coming and going from the residence. The home belonged to 42 year old Jeremey Rankins who is a registered sex offender and on parole at the current time. 

Upon arrival, Agent Jones made contact with Rankins at the front door and while doing so, he saw an unknown male run to the back of the house. Jones advised Rankins of the situation and confirmed he had a search waiver on file. Rankins allowed officers inside.

Jones goes to the back of the house to find the male. The second suspect was identified as 45 year old Jason Stewart. 

Jones asked Stewart if he had anything illegal on his person and Stewart said no. After receiving consent from Stewart, Jones began to check Stewart’s pockets and found 2 straws that were cut consistent with those being used for snorting illegal substances. There was a white substance believed to be methamphetamine in one of the straws. 

After searching the back area, a small bag of marijuana, and a glass smoking pipe used for methamphetamine were located inside an unplugged freezer.

While officers had both suspects in the front room, Agent Jones found a clear baggie containing a white crystal substance believed to be Methamphetamine on top of the entertainment center. Rankins and Stewart denied the substance being theirs. However, both suspects admitted to using and selling meth but denied the bag. They both were taken into custody.

Rankins was charged with maintaining drug premises due to the illegal drug activity going on at his residence and possession of a controlled substance.

Stewart was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.