Undercover sting nets one arrest

A Russellville man was arrested earlier this week as the result of an undercover drug investigation by the Russellville Police Department.

James Owen McNatt, 66, Franks Circle, was arrested and charged with unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, Russellville Police Chief Christ Hargett said.

According to investigators, the department received information that McNatt might be selling prescription pills.

After an extensive investigation, officers obtained enough information to secure warrants and make the arrest, Hargett said.

“These kinds of cases are not easy because there are several steps involved before an actual arrest can be made,” Hargett said. “It’s a lengthy process from the initial purchase to securing the warrants to getting the person behind bars.

“It takes many man hours to make a good case against someone who’s dealing drugs, but we make the necessary arrangements so we can get these people off our streets.”

McNatt remains in custody at the Franklin County Jail on a $7,500 bond.