November 6, 2023
By: Dwayne Page
An active moonshine still was found last month by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department in an investigation at the home of an Alexandria man which also turned up methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Due to the discovery, 56-year-old Edward Wayne Tarpley, II of Old Liberty Road, Alexandria and companion, 33-year-old Erica Beth Martin of Woodbury are each charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver. Tarpley is also charged with possession of a moonshine still. Bond for Tarpley is $15,000. Martin’s bond is $13,500. Both will make a General Sessions Court appearance November 9.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on October 10 detectives went to Tarpley’s home after receiving a report that he had an active moonshine still. Tarpley is currently on probation with the Tennessee Department of Corrections. A moonshine still was found at the home and it was actively producing liquor. A search of Tarpley’s bedroom that he shared with Martin turned up 1.2 grams of a white crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine, glass pipes, syringes, and digital scales. Other items needed to produce liquor including copper piping, corn mash, etc. were found along with personal belongings of both Tarpley and Martin which were in close proximity to the illegal items in the room.