Man charged with drug trafficking

A Franklin County man authorities have been investigating for several months for dealing thousands of prescriptions pills was arrested on Thursday evening at his home.

Donald Wayne McGee, 64, 21 McGee Lane, Russellville, was arrested and charged with drug trafficking, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, third-degree receiving stolen property and being a violent felon in possession of a pistol.

Following an investigation that spanned several months, Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver said officers executed a search warrant at McGee’s residence on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

Upon entering the residence, Oliver said officers found McGee sitting at his kitchen table counting out cash. Officers also saw a large quantity of pills on the table.

According to investigators, law enforcement seized over 300 illegal pills, including oxycodone and methadone, at McGee’s residence that officers estimated would have carried a $7,000 street value. Officers also seized $2,170 in cash and a .410 single-shot shotgun and a pistol.

Also during the search warrant, Jason Floyd Baker, 31, of Franklin 75 in Phil Campbell, pulled up to the residence in his vehicle.

Oliver said authorities found drug paraphernalia in Baker’s vehicle and Baker admitted to being under the influence of several different drugs including alcohol and marijuana.

Baker was arrested at the scene for driving under the influence, reckless endangerment and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Baker was released on a $3,500 bond. At press time, McGee was still in custody at the Franklin County Jail on a $12,500 bond.