MONTICELLO — The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department iscontinuing its crackdown on substance abuse, making four arrestssince Sunday.

Patrick Kincaid, 22, Rondell McGowan Jr., 21, both of Prentiss,and Kenneth C. Peyton, 27, and Willie “Pookie” Barnes, 35, both ofMonticello, were arrested in three separate raids this week,according to Investigator Jimmy Barton.

Barton said the raids began Sunday night in the Hookercommunity, resulting in the arrests of Kincaid and McGowan oncharges of possession of marijuana.

Peyton was arrested in an early morning raid Wednesday at theWelcome Inn in Monticello.

“We received numerous complaints that people had been sellingcontrolled substances at the Welcome Inn, and we have beeninvestigating it heavily,” Barton said. “Based on a confidentialtip, we obtained a search warrant and executed it early Wednesdaymorning.”

Peyton was charged with possession of a controlled substance(crack cocaine) with intent to distribute within 1500 feet of achurch or school. Barton said the sheriff’s department seizedapproximately $300 in crack cocaine, $67 in cash and a 1998 blueHonda Accord.

“We hope this will deter some of the activity that is occuringat the Welcome Inn,” the investigator said.

Barnes was arrested Thursday morning during a raid atBroadmeadow Apartments. He was charged with possession ofmarijuana.

“This is part of an ongoing investigation,” Barton said.”Sheriff (Joel) Thames has taken a strong stance on the possessionand sale of controlled substances in Lawrence County. They will notbe tolerated.”

Barton said he appreciated the assistance of the MonticelloPolice Department in the Wednesday and Thursday morning raids.