Dekalb drug arrests

Five people have been arrested on methamphetamine-related charges.  31 year old Timothy Brandon Richards, of Ider, was arrested for first-degree unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.  A meth lab, ready to start cooking, was discovered in Richards' residence on County Road 768 along with meth and paraphernalia. A small child was removed from the residence by Department of Human Resources workers and placed with family members.  Three Fort Payne residents were arrested in Fort Payne. 35 year old Samuel Edward Simpson II, 30 year old  Brandy Nicole Rothell, and 39 year old Crystal Dawn Cook, were charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.  Fort Payne Police responded to the North Fort Payne residence for a call about loud music. When they arrived, they spoke to someone about the complaint and saw drug evidence in plain view while the apartment was secured. A subsequent search found a large amount of drugs, almost $4,000 in cash, a rifle and a pistol.  54 year old Norris Lee Norton, of Fort Payne, was charged with distribution of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia after officers with a warrant searched his South Fort Payne residence. They found more than 50 grams of meth as well as cash and paraphernalia. All five are in the DeKalb County Detention Center, awaiting bond.