Former Fentress County Coach Booked On Local Drug Charges

Huntsville, TN (2012-01-30) A covert drug operation conducted by the Scott County Sheriff’s Department on Monday nabbed four persons, including a former Fentress County basketball coach. A fifth person was also cited into court on drug violations.

Ernest Fred Winningham, 40, of Allardt, was among four persons booked on drug related charges by the Scott County Sheriff’s Department on Monday. Winningham, reportedly a former head basketball coach at York Institute, was booked for criminal conspiracy for attempting to buy, sell or possess a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Winningham was caught during a covert drug operation being conducted by the Scott County Sheriff’s Department. The subject of interest in the operation was identified as Ledford Sexton, 48, of Helenwood. Acting on information that Sexton was allegedly selling drugs from his residence on Wright Drive, authorities reportedly set up surveillance on his home. In less than an hour, authorities garnered enough information to obtain an arrest warrant for Sexton and a search warrant for his home; however, before authorities could act, Sexton abruptly left his residence.

Deputy Eric Newport, who was stationed near the scene, followed Sexton south on Scott Highway and attempted to stop him near New River Bridge. Sexton, who was riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle, allegedly attempted to elude officers, turning onto Bradshaw Lane, just north of the bridge. After turning off the highway, he allegedly tossed a container over the guardrail. Afterwards, he reportedly yielded to the deputy’s blue lights. Sexton was charged with reckless driving, felony evading arrest and driving on a revoked license. The Sheriff’s Department also reportedly recovered 15, 20 mg Oxycontin tablets from the container tossed over the guardrail.

During the course of the traffic stop, Sexton reportedly received a text message on his cell phone from a third individual, identified as Robert Danny Perry, 28, of Helenwood. Perry, claimed authorities, was trying to purchase methamphetamine from Sexton. Authorities quickly set up a sting operation, agreeing to meet Perry at the New River Bridge. When he arrived, they arrested him for criminal conspiracy for attempting to buy methamphetamine, a schedule II controlled substance.

Meanwhile, Drug Agent Kris Lewallen, Sgt. Danny Phillips and K-9 Deputy Roger Douglas executed the search warrant on Sexton’s house. Inside, authorities allegedly found more than .5 grams of methamphetamine, 53, 20 mg Oxycontin tablets, several meth smoking pipes and other drug paraphernalia. As result, Sexton was additionally charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance, possession of more than .5 grams of methamphetamine, possession of a Hydrocodone, Percocet, and Oxycotin, all schedule II controlled substances, possession of a legend drug without a prescription and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Upon arrival at Sexton’s house, authorities reportedly found a fourth person, identified as Mallory Shannon, 33, of Sunbright, inside the residence. Shannon reportedly told authorities he was waiting to test drive a vehicle Sexton allegedly was selling. Since Shannon’s vehicle was on Sexton’s property, authorities search his car. Inside, authorities allegedly found meth and drug paraphernalia. Shannon wasn’t arrested, but was cited into court for possession of less than .5 grams of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

During the course of the search, authorities claim Winningham texted Sexton, allegedly looking to purchase Oxycotin. Authorities responded to his request, agreeing to meet Winningham at a Helenwood business. When Winningham arrived, he, and a passenger in his car, identified as Pamela Sheree LaRue, 35, of Jamestown, was arrested. Both were charged with criminal conspiracy and possession of drug paraphernalia. Sexton was also booked for possession of morphine and Percocet, both schedule II controlled substances.

In all, the Sheriff’s Department seized three vehicles, a motorcycle, and $2,000 in cash. In addition, authorities allegedly found a fourth vehicle at Sexton’s house which had an altered vehicle identification number (VIN). The Sheriff’s Department, along with the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, is investigating the origin of the vehicle.

Sheriff Mike Cross led Monday’s operation, along with Chief Deputy Ronnie Phillips. Other officers involved included: Trooper Larry Blakney of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Detectives Randy Lewallen, Tommy Silcox and Jennifer Culver, Sgt. Paul D. Adkins, and Deputies Lisa Anderson and Tyler Cross.