Two Arrested in Decherd Drug Bust Near Elementary School

Two individuals from were taken into custody on Tuesday evening following the execution of a search warrant at a residence near Decherd Elementary School. The operation was conducted by the Decherd Police Department and was the result of a six-month-long investigation into suspected narcotics activity.

At approximately 6:00 p.m., officers, led by Investigator Jody Bray, executed a search warrant at 402 South Bratton Street. Upon entry, law enforcement officers discovered an active drug transaction in progress and detained Joseph Walter Stratton and Stephen Todd Farrington Jr. at the scene.

A search of the premises yielded the following items:

One Oxycodone pill and approximately 20 grams of marijuana in the immediate possession of the suspects
An additional 214 pills, including Oxycodone and Dilaudid (Schedule II), Xanax and Clonazepam (Schedule IV)
Various items of drug paraphernalia
A 9mm handgun with 400 rounds of ammunition
A .22 caliber long rifle with approximately 500 rounds of ammunition
Approximately $15,500 in cash

The residence is situated directly across the street from Decherd Elementary School, measuring approximately 112 feet from the main parking lot entrance. As a result of the residence's proximity to a school, both suspects are facing enhanced charges under Tennessee’s Drug-Free School Zone law.

Both Stratton and Farrington are currently facing multiple pending charges, including:

Manufacture, Sale, and Delivery of Schedule II, IV, and VI Controlled Substances
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Violation of the Drug-Free School Zone Act