NAHUNTA — Two Nahunta men were arrested and face drug charges by the Nahunta Police Department and the the Crime Suppression & Intelligence Unit Thursday morning.
Following multiple complaints over the past several months regarding suspected criminal activity around M A Carter Lane and Burton Terrace, the CSIU continued its efforts addressing neighborhood concerns and protect residents.
At approximatley 9:30 a.m., September 3, Chief Brad Todd and Officer Jenna Cardon, working with CSIU, made contact with three men at 103 M A Carter Lane, primarily known as the location of the Nahunta Housing Authority.
During the encounter, officers reported finding John Paul Branham, 32, of Nahunta, in possession of a pipe used to ingest methamphetamine. Branham was taken into custody without incident and charged with Possession of Drug Related Objects.
Officers also reported finding Charlie Batten, 41, of 103 MA Carter Lane, in possession of drug-related objects, a personal-use quantity of marijuana, and electronic scales with drug residue present.
Branham
Batten was charged with Possession of Drug Related Objects.
Batten was also found in possession of a 9mm handgun. He told officers that a friend had left the firearm and he had forgotten about it. The firearm was seized, and CSIU is continuing its investigation into its ownership and the circumstances surrounding Batten’s possession.
The third man was released from the scene after receiving a Criminal Trespass notice directing him not to return to the property.
A young child was present during the encounter. The presence of a child reinforces the importance of addressing suspected drug activity in residential neighborhoods, where children and families deserve a safe environment.
Public housing should provide residents with a safe place to live. Illegal drug activity has no place in government housing or any other neighborhood. CSIU will continue investigating reported violations and working with the community to address conditions that threaten residents’ safety.
CSIU does not take these complaints lightly. Information provided by concerned residents helps officers identify problems and direct enforcement efforts where they are needed. This response reflects the importance of cooperation between law enforcement and the people who live in these neighborhoods.
Addressing ongoing neighborhood concerns takes continued attention. CSIU remains committed to following up on complaints, investigating criminal activity, and working with residents to make M A Carter Lane, Burton Terrace, and the surrounding community safer.
Residents are encouraged to continue reporting suspected criminal activity to law enforcement. Call 911 for emergencies or immediate threats.
All individuals charged are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.acting upon such item.”
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