Jefferson Davis County, Miss. – The Jefferson Davis County Sheriff’s Department, alongside the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Mississippi Highway Patrol, has taken action to combat looting and theft in the aftermath of the severe storms that hit the area on March 15. A proactive crime prevention operation was conducted in the storm-damaged areas of the county earlier this week, leading to the arrest of two individuals.
The first arrest occurred on March 18, when officers discovered 33-year-old Jeremy Wilkerson from Jones County on private property near Sam Graham Road, an area severely impacted by the storms. A search of Wilkerson’s vehicle revealed suspected methamphetamine, copper wiring, and burglary tools. As a result, Wilkerson was charged with possession of methamphetamine.
The second arrest took place on the morning of March 19, when officers initiated a traffic stop near Candy Lane in the Greens Creek area. The driver, 32-year-old William Ahlers from Gallatin, Tennessee, was stopped for a traffic violation while traveling through the storm-affected region. A search revealed methamphetamine in Ahlers’ possession, leading to charges of possession of methamphetamine.
Mississippi Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell expressed his commitment to supporting the community during times of crisis, stating, “In times of need, our state comes together to support one another, and we are committed to assisting in the protection of people’s belongings and ensuring safety throughout the area.”
Sheriff Ron Strickland of Jefferson Davis County also praised the coordinated efforts, saying, “We appreciate the efforts of DPS working in our county. The presence alone helps tremendously.”
Authorities are encouraging anyone who believes their property may have been vandalized or is missing copper wiring to contact the Jefferson Davis County Sheriff’s Department at 601-792-8856.
Both Wilkerson and Ahlers were transported to the Jefferson Davis County Jail following their arrests.
