Police search homes, arrest 3 on drug charges

Published 12:00 am Friday, April 8, 2016

By Melanie Ruberti

mruberti@civitasmedia.com

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LaGRANGE — Two people were arrested after the LaGrange Police Department’s Special Investigation Unit allegedly discovered drugs, drug paraphernalia and a gun inside an apartment at the Tall Pines Apartment complex at 150 Turner St. about 8 a.m. Thursday.

LaGrange police said there were also several small children inside the home.

The SIU team and the patrol division were at the apartment executing a narcotics-related search warrant, police said.

During the search, investigators found marijuana they said was ready for distribution, along with baggies, scales and other items associated with the sale of illegal narcotics, a police press release states.

Officials said Charles McClendon, 41, was home at the time and had a loaded handgun within reach.

While investigators were searching the apartment, another tenant, Keyanna Harris, 37, arrived home.

LaGrange police said both McClendon and Harris were arrested.

They were both charged with one count of possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and one count of possession of a drug-related object.

McClendon was also charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

McClendon also had outstanding warrants in Cherokee and Clayton counties, and Harris had active warrants in Spalding and Morgan counties, investigators said.

Children inside the home were released to a family member, police said.

Later that morning, about 11 a.m., the SIU team and Patrol division went to the Benjamin Harvey Hill Homes at 900 Whitesville Street to execute another narcotics related search warrant.

Investigators found a substance that appeared to be crack cocaine, digital scales and other items, and less than an ounce of suspected marijuana.

Police arrested Charlene Bailey, 32, who was home at the time, police said.

She was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of a drug related object, possession of cocaine and possession of a dangerous drug.

Melanie Ruberti is a reporter with LaGrange Daily News. She may be reached at 706-884-7311, ext. 2156.