Man arrested for drug trafficking

By Staff
Jason Houston FCT Managing Editor
In cooperation with the Haleyville Police Department, Russellville police arrested a Bear Creek man Saturday on drug charges, Chief Chris Hargett said.
Hargett said Michael Allen Riddle, 43, of 205 Bowen Street in Bear Creek, was arrested and charged with unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, trafficking in Oxycontin, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The trafficking charge is a Class A felony, punishable by up to life in prison upon conviction. The distribution charge is a Class B felony, punishable by 2-20 years in prison.
Hargett said the drug investigation began in Haleyville and ended in Russellville. An undercover officer from the Russellville Police Department made a purchase of 30 20-mg. Oxycontin tablets from Riddle and after his arrest, police discovered 80 other 40-mg. tablets valued at $3,200. The take-down of Riddle took place in the parking lot of a local restaurant, Hargett said.
A 1981 Chevy C-10 vehicle was also seized in the arrest, police said.
RPD Drug Investigator Lt. Scotty Lowery said Riddle would likely face additional charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana when lab results are finalized, based on evidence found after Riddle's arrest.
Riddle was released over the weekend from the Franklin County Jail on bond totaling $27,500.