Editor’s note, July 26, 2018 – The record of one of the teenagers arrested and charged in a March 29 drug bust at the Motel 6 in Lakeland has been expunged as a result of a Nolle Prosequi entered in the case. Lakeland Currents has removed the name and photo of this person from the story originally posted in March.
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Five area teens were arrested Thursday night (3.29.18) in a drug bust at the Motel 6, 9822 Huff N Puff Rd in Lakeland.
Shelby County Criminal Justice System records show the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Detectives received an anonymous tip around 5 p.m. Thursday about a party at the motel involving illegal narcotics.
After surveillance of several hours, the detectives approached room 213 and smelled a strong odor of marijuana and did a safety check of all persons.
They found drug paraphernalia, suspected marijuana and suspected THC inside the room. They detained approximately 22 male and female subjects, ages 14-19 and secured the room.
A state signed search warrant was obtained for the room and a search of the room was executed. Detectives found a clear plastic bag of pills, later identified as Xanax, lose marijuana, a glass bong and a black digital scale. Detectives also received signed consent forms to search the vehicles of all involved parties who had vehicles.
Those arrested were Hunter Curlin, 19, Joshua Hall, 18, Austin Gilliland, 19 and Omri Brantley, 19, all from Arlington.
In the trunk of Mr. Hall’s car, detectives found a black Ruger .22 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number.
In a recorded statement, Mr. Hall said he rented the room for a party with his friends. He noted he is the only driver of his car, a 2006 Cadillac STS, and was unsure how the gun got in his car.
Detectives could not determine who was in possession of which narcotics, so all parties were charged.
Seventeen juveniles were issued juvenile summons and released to their parents on site. Mr. Brantley, Mr. Gilliland and Mr. Curlin were transported to 201 Poplar on felony narcotics and paraphernalia charges. Mr. Hall was charged on the same counts as well as theft of property.
Mr. Brantley was released on his own recognizance. Hearings are at 8:30 a.m. Monday (4.2.18).
Mug shots from Shelby County websites.
The Motel 6 is across the street from the Super 8 Motel where there was sex-trafficking incident last year. Link to story; https://lakelandcurrents.com/update-on-lakeland-super-8-sex-trafficking-story/
