Three local suspects are in jail in Lincoln County following arrests on charges of possession and distribution of crystal methamphetamine.

     Agents from the Southwest Mississippi Narcotics Task Force, the Mississippi Department of Corrections and deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department made the arrests after receiving a tip from a citizen, Sheriff Steve Rushing said Thursday morning.

     Rushing said based on the tip, an investigation began Monday, leading to the apprehension Tuesday of Charlie Smith, 36, of 6046 Choctaw Road, and Derric W. Thomas, 33, of 975 Wellman Trail, for possession of the narcotics, as well as Darryl Stewart, 50, of 1951 Highway 43, Silver Creek, for possession and distribution charges.

     According to Rushing, Smith and Thomas were arrested at a location on Zetus Road, while Stewart was taken into custody at Thomas’ home.

     “We received information that these three were connected in narcotics activity,” Rushing said Thursday morning.

     “During the course of an investigation sparked from that tip we were able to make arrests and charge them.”

     Smith was charged with two counts of possession of crystal methamphetamine and two counts of possession of cocaine.

     Thomas was charged with three counts of possession of crystal methamphetamine, conspiracy and contempt of court.

     Stewart was charged with possession of crystal methamphetamine with intent to distribute or sell.

     Rushing emphasized the importance of community support in assisting with curbing criminal activity.

     “These public tips help us a lot,” he said.