The Jefferson Davis County Sheriff’s Department is working hard to combat looting and deter theft in the county after the March 15 storms.

The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Mississippi Highway Patrol, and the Jefferson Davis County Sheriff’s Department conducted a proactive crime prevention operation in storm-damaged areas of the county this week.

 During the operation, law enforcement officials arrested two individuals.

The first arrest involved 33-year-old Jeremy Wilkerson of Jones County, who was charged with possession of methamphetamine. Wilkerson’s vehicle was located March 18 on private property near Sam Graham Road in an area recently devastated by the storms. When officers approached, they found Wilkerson inside and a search of the vehicle uncovered suspected methamphetamine, multiple pieces of copper wiring, along with tools believed to be used for burglary.

The second arrest involved 32-year-old William Ahlers of Gallatin, Tennessee, who was also charged with possession of methamphetamine. Officers initiated a traffic stop on Ahlers near Candy Lane for a traffic violation while he was traveling through the storm-damaged area in Greens Creek at approximately 1 a.m. on March 19.

“In times of need, our state comes together to support one another, and we are committed to assisting in the protection of people’s belongings and ensuring safety throughout the area,” said Mississippi Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell. 

 Anyone who believes their property may have been vandalized or is missing copper wiring is encouraged to contact the Jefferson Davis County Sheriff’s Department at 601-792-8856.

Both individuals were transported to the Jefferson Davis County Jail.

“We appreciate the efforts of DPS working in our county,” said Jefferson Davis County Sheriff Ron Strickland. “The presence alone helps tremendously.”