The arrest of the police chief of a small Jefferson County city followed – in part – the discovery of weed and a bong in his patrol car, according to newly-released court records.
Lipscomb Police Chief Brian “Scott” Martin, 37, was taken into custody Friday on misdemeanor charges of second-degree marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia, authorities said. The case against the chief was investigated by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency which then obtained the warrants against him.
ALEA Lt. Jon Riley said Martin’s arrest followed a search at his home on Dove Drive in Odenville on July 27, 2018. A second person was also arrested on the same charges: 33-year-old Crystal Lynn Tindle of Pell City.
Martin, who has not responded to requests for comment, was arrested by Odenville police and booked into the St. Clair County Jail. He was released a short time later after posting $1,500 bond.
According to court records made public Wednesday, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Major Crimes Unit, along with the agency’s Narcotics Unit, carried out the search warrant at Martin’s Odenville home. Once they made their way inside, they found Martin, Tindle and a young boy.
The arrest report states that Tindle was detained while the agents conducted their search, and Martin was transported to the Odenville Police Department to be interviewed. A search of the home turned up marijuana and a bong under the sink in the master bedroom.
Agents also searched Martin’s patrol vehicle which was parked in front of the home. Marijuana and a bong were found under the gun safe in the rear of the vehicle. Both with in an open evidence bag that was not marked with any information, such as a suspect’s name or case number, according to the arrest report.
During the interview with the law enforcement agents, Martin initially denied knowledge of any illegal narcotics in the home. “Martin later recanted his statement, and said he was aware of the marijuana that was in the residence,” one of the agents wrote. “However, Martin denied any knowledge of the marijuana and drug paraphernalia recovered from his patrol vehicle.”
Tindle told authorities she was aware there were illegal narcotics in the home.
Martin was taken to the jail. Tindle was released at the scene and later charged.
Lipscomb Mayor Brenda Renz released a prepared statement earlier this week: “Lipscomb police Chief Brian Scott Martin has been placed on leave pending an investigation. The Council and I will make a statement after the investigation is complete.”
Credit:Â www.al.com