DECATUR-On May 13th and 14th, 2015 the Decatur Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit and Anti-Crime Unit
arrested thirteen individuals for distributing narcotics in Decatur and arrested another individual for a
warrant charging her with trafficking a controlled substance analog. Investigators purchased cocaine,
marijuana, methamphetamine, synthetic marijuana (Spice) and prescription pills during the investigation.
Ramsey Terron Swopes of 333 6th Ave. N.W. Decatur.
Swopes was arrested at his residence and charged with two counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance
for selling synthetic marijuana (Spice) on two separate occasions. Swopes’ bond was set at $10,000.00
Christopher Danielle Ricks of 1808 Glenn St. #1, Decatur.
Ricks was arrested at his home early Wednesday morning. During his apprehension, Ricks was in
possession of ICE (Methamphetamine), drug paraphernalia, and illegally possessed prescription
medication. In all, Ricks was charged with two counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance for
selling ICE on two occasions, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Ricks’ bond was set at $13,000.00
Brian O’Neal Cowley of 1021 Routon Dr. S.W. Decatur
Cowley was arrested at a residence in Trinity and charged with three counts of Distribution of a Controlled
Substance after selling cocaine during the investigation into his illegal activities. During his arrest,
Cowley was found to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana and was additionally charged with
Possession of Marijuana in the Second Degree. Cowley’s bond was set at $15,500.00
Daniel Latez Burgess of 302 Adams Dr. N.W. Decatur
Burgess was arrested when officers saw him walking in the area of West Moulton St. and 8th Ave. N.W.
Burgess was placed under arrest and charged with two counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance
after selling both cocaine and marijuana. Burgess also had two outstanding warrants for Failure
to Appear. Burgess’ bond was set at $12,000.00
Gregory Labraughn Harris of 1702 Douthit St. S.W. Decatur
Harris was located while walking down 11th Ave. N.W.
Harris was arrested and charged with one count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance after selling
crack cocaine while under investigation. Harris’ bond was set a $5000.00.
Marcus Cortez McDay of 1609 Thomas Dr. S.W. Decatur
Officers attempted to arrest McDay at his residence for Distribution of a Controlled Substance. Officers
did not locate McDay at his house, but McDay arrived at the police department a short time later
inquiring why officers had come to his home looking for him. McDay was placed under arrest at the
police department for Distribution of a Controlled Substance. McDay sold a quantity of crack cocaine
while under investigation by DPD O.C.U. Because of McDay’s criminal history, the case investigator
requested a higher the standard bond on McDay. That request was granted and McDay’s bond was set
at $200,000.00
Lonnie Laymon of 3355 West Chapel Hill Rd. Decatur
Lonnie Laymon was arrested at his residence Wednesday afternoon and charged with two counts of
Distribution of a Controlled Substance after he sold quantities of marijuana during the investigation.
Laymon’s bond was set at $10,000.00
Ricardo DeWayne Brown of 609 14th Ave. S.W. Decatur
Ricardo Brown was located and arrested at a local convenience store. At the time of his arrest, Brown
was highly intoxicated. Brown had also been advised at an earlier time not to return to this same
convenience store. Therefore, in addition to the charge of Distribution of a Controlled Substance for
selling a quantity of marijuana during the investigation of his narcotic dealing, Brown was also charged
with Trespassing in the Third Degree and Public Intoxication. Brown’s bond was set at $6000.00
Carol Denise Buford of 812 Longbow Dr. S.W. Decatur
Carol Buford was arrested by Anti-Crime Officer Hill during a traffic stop at the corner of 5th Ave. S.W.
at 2nd St. Officer Hill located synthetic marijuana (Spice) and a handgun in Buford’s possession. Buford
did not have a permit authorizing her to carry a concealed handgun. Buford also had a warrant for her
arrest charging her with Trafficking in Controlled Substance Analogs stemming from an investigation
conducted by Decatur PD. Buford was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Carrying a
Pistol without a Permit, and Trafficking in Controlled Substance Analogs. Due to Buford’s criminal
history, a higher than standard bond was requested and granted. Buford’s total bond was set at
$271,000.00
Tyler Rashad Sales of 105 Poplar Court S.E. Decatur
Marijuana was purchased on two occasions from Sales. These two purchases of marijuana occurred
during a time when Sales was out of jail on bond from another Decatur PD case charging him with
Trafficking in Cocaine. Sales’ is currently being held in the county jail without bond.
Gerald Lamar Matthews of 322 12th Ave. N.W. Decatur
Gerald Lamar Matthews sold a quantity of crack cocaine during OCU’s investigation of his activity.
Investigators knew Matthews was currently being held in the county jail on other drug charges under
a revoked bond. One count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance was added to the additional
charges that Matthews is facing.
Tyes Antonio Alexander of 310 7th Ave. N.W. Decatur
Tyes Alexander sold a quantity of prescription pills during this investigation. After the investigation
into Alexander’s narcotics distribution practices had ended, he was arrested for several outstanding
warrants not related to this particular case. Since he was already incarcerated in the Decatur City Jail,
the charge of Distribution of a Controlled Substance was added to the charges he faces. Alexander’s
bond was set at $5000.00 for the narcotics distribution case.
Derrick O’Neal Hill of 324 Courtney Drive S.W. # 31 Decatur
Derrick Hill sold quantities of synthetic marijuana on three separate occasions while under investigation.
Hill was located near Mockingbird Lane. When approached by officers and asked for identification, Hill
lied to officers about his identity. Hill was also found to be in possession of synthetic marijuana and had
two active warrants for Failure to Pay. Hill was arrested and charged with three counts of Distribution of
a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Giving a False Name, and two active
arrests warrants for Failure to Pay. Hill’s total bond was set at $18,792.00
