FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Prescription Drugs targeted by Local Law Enforcement

September 20, 2011 – Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch, Knox County Sheriff J.J. Jones, and Knox County District Attorney General Randy Nichols today announced the arrest of four Knox County residents on multiple drug charges.  The arrests stem from several interrelated investigations over the past year by the KPD, KCSD and Knox County DA’s Office, culminating in today’s arrests led by the KPD Organized Crime Unit.

The charges in these cases are part of the focus of law enforcement here and across Tennessee on the scourge of the illegal use prescription drugs.  Evidence on these charges was presented to a Knox County Grand Jury by the DA’s Office.  Based on that evidence the Grand Jury returned indictments today.

Four individuals were indicted by the Knox County Grand Jury on 10 Felony drug charges.  

1)        Yolanda  Meza Harper                                                                                                  DOB:  12/20/1973                                                                                                 Tarklin Valley Road address        

            Charges:                                                                                                    

• One Count of Sale & Delivery of Schedule II (Adderall), a Class C Felony        
• One Count of Sale & Delivery of Schedule II (Methadone) in a School Zone, a Class B felony
• One Count of Sale & Delivery of Schedule II (Methadone) in a Child Care Zone, a Class C felony
• One Count of Sale & Delivery of Schedule II (Methadone) in a Park Zone, a Class C felony
• One Count of Sale & Delivery of Schedule II (Methadone), a Class C Felony

2)        Randall Ray Houser                                                                            DOB:  11/20/1970                                                                          Tarklin Valley Road address                                                            

Charges:

• One Count of Sale & Delivery of Schedule II (Adderall), A Class C felony                        

3)        Laurie Pelot Gooch                                                                                  DOB:  5/16/1961                                                                 Ainsworth Drive address                                                      

Charges:  

• Three Counts of Sale & Delivery of Schedule II (Oxycodone), a Class C felony        

4)        Kasie Westmoreland Robinson                                                                              DOB:  8/23/1983                                                                 Woodbine Avenue address

        Charges:                                                                                                                  

• One Count of Sale & Delivery of Schedule II (Oxycodone), a Class C felony        

Class C felonies carry a minimum sentence of 3 to 6 years. Class B felonies carry a minimum sentence of 8 to 12 year.  School Zone, Child Care Zone and Park Zone cases require day for day service of the entire sentence.

The KCSD assisted the KPD in making these arrests.