Star Staff Reports
Earlier this week, Tipton County Sheriff’s Office narcotic investigators received a tip concerning the manufacturing of synthetic cannabinoids being manufactured and distributed from 1326 Atoka Idaville Road in Atoka.
On July 23, at the residence, investigators spoke to Tavis Fox, 35 who lives at the residence. Fox indicated he was manufacturing and selling “herbal potpourri” and consented to a search of the residence. Investigators located and seized approximately 34 pounds of synthetic cannabinoids commonly referred to as “Spice”, chemicals commonly used in the manufacturing of the material and equipment used during the production of the finished product. The estimated street value of the seized “Spice” is more than $100,000. Investigators seized a 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse during the investigation.
Fox was arrested at the scene and later was interviewed by investigators. Fox admitted to his role in the manufacturing and distributing the “Spice” from his residence and over the internet. During the investigation a second suspect, Jason Paul Forbess, 34 of 3884 Meade Lake in Millington (Tipton County) was identified and was allegedly involved in the operation. Forbess was arrested at his home.
Investigators have charged the duo with Possession, Manufacturing and Distribution of Imitation of a Controlled Substance. Fox has been arraigned and is free on a $5,000 bond awaiting his Aug. 20 court date in Tipton County General Sessions Court. Forbess remains in custody on a $10,000 bond awaiting his arraignment Friday in General Sessions Court.
“I commend the detectives and investigators in this case and the success of such a large bust of synthetic drugs. The highly addictive synthetic drugs mimic other illegal narcotics such as marijuana and cocaine. The danger is the unpredictable effects that the chemicals will have on people who smoke or consume the material. If anyone has information in this case, please call the Criminal Investigations Division at 475-3300, Central Dispatch after hours at 475-4300, phone in tips at 475-3307, email tips to [email protected] or Facebook Sheriff J.T. Pancho Chumley.”
SCAM ALERT: WARNING TO ALL MLGW CUSTOMERS FROM THE SHELBY COUNTY MAYOR’S OFFICE
(This scam may not be limited to the Memphis area—please be cautious if you are a MLGW customer.)
Possible Tree Trimming Scam
MLGW received a report yesterday about a possible scam involving two men posing as tree trimmers. The men knocked on an elderly customer’s door on James Road and informed her that they were contracted by MLGW and that a tree in her back yard had been marked for removal. The men were wearing fluorescent jackets but could not produce MLGW identification when asked, though they claimed to call MLGW to “verify” that they were legitimate. The men were driving a red truck and left after the customer questioned them. MLGW contracts its tree trimming services through local companies Blume Tree Services and Bean and Prince Contractors, Inc. These contractors drive clearly marked trucks and the foremen carry identification. No MLGW employee or contractor will ask for payment in the field.
Customers who suspect possible scams or criminal activity should call the Memphis Police Department at 545-2677. For more information about MLGW’s tree trimming program, visit www.mlgw.com/treetrimming.
