Sledneck
Full Fledged Farker
Tent Busted with Drugs at BBQ Fest
Updated: Monday, 17 May 2010, 8:32 PM CDT
Published : Monday, 17 May 2010, 8:32 PM CDT
Lauren
Lee
Memphis, Tn - There was a major drug bust at Tom Lee Park this weekend.
Three members of Shotwell Smoker's were arrested after deputies found several back packs filled with drugs at Barbecue Fest. Investigators say the team is believed to be selling drugs out of their tent.
Barbecue Fest is known for its party almost as its known for its pork, and Memphis in May encourages the celebration.
"We don't do this just for the seriousness of the competition, we do it for the celebrating of Memphis," says Diane Hampton, President of Memphis in May. "So we expect people to have a good time. We also expect them to play by the rules."
But one team broke the rules this weekend.
Roy Hanes, Michael Happ, and James Innocenti were arrested on possession and distribution charges. Happ was also charged with possession of a fire arm while committing a felony. He had a loaded glock in the tent.
"One of the deputies walked in, smelled marijuana, asked permission to see of they could go inside the booth," says Steve Shular, spokesperson for the Shelby County Sheriff's Office. "They did and that's what led them to the discovery."
Deputies found nearly 100 prescription pills, including Xanax, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone and other varieties. They found about 2 ounces of marijuana, a small amount of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and nearly $6,000 in cash.
"Based on the large variety of drugs and the fact there was a large amount of cash that was also found on the person and a couple hundred found on another, the charges support there could have been some dealing and distributing going on there," says Shular.
Memphis in May officials and volunteers who worked directly with the team tell Fox13 no one had any idea what was going on at booth S-200.
"It's totally unacceptable, it's against our rules, team rules, it's against the rules for the public," says Hampton. "So obviously we're very disappointed the team would choose to behave this way."
Memphis in May plans to send a message that this behavior is not and will not be tolerated.
"This team had been very involved for several years in the competition," says Hampton. "And we really had not had any problems with them. Its safe to say this will be the last year they compete."
All three men bonded out of jail on bonds ranging from $30,000 to $50,000.
No other arrests were made during Barbecue Fest this weekend.
Updated: Monday, 17 May 2010, 8:32 PM CDT
Published : Monday, 17 May 2010, 8:32 PM CDT
Lauren
Lee
Memphis, Tn - There was a major drug bust at Tom Lee Park this weekend.
Three members of Shotwell Smoker's were arrested after deputies found several back packs filled with drugs at Barbecue Fest. Investigators say the team is believed to be selling drugs out of their tent.
Barbecue Fest is known for its party almost as its known for its pork, and Memphis in May encourages the celebration.
"We don't do this just for the seriousness of the competition, we do it for the celebrating of Memphis," says Diane Hampton, President of Memphis in May. "So we expect people to have a good time. We also expect them to play by the rules."
But one team broke the rules this weekend.
Roy Hanes, Michael Happ, and James Innocenti were arrested on possession and distribution charges. Happ was also charged with possession of a fire arm while committing a felony. He had a loaded glock in the tent.
"One of the deputies walked in, smelled marijuana, asked permission to see of they could go inside the booth," says Steve Shular, spokesperson for the Shelby County Sheriff's Office. "They did and that's what led them to the discovery."
Deputies found nearly 100 prescription pills, including Xanax, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone and other varieties. They found about 2 ounces of marijuana, a small amount of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and nearly $6,000 in cash.
"Based on the large variety of drugs and the fact there was a large amount of cash that was also found on the person and a couple hundred found on another, the charges support there could have been some dealing and distributing going on there," says Shular.
Memphis in May officials and volunteers who worked directly with the team tell Fox13 no one had any idea what was going on at booth S-200.
"It's totally unacceptable, it's against our rules, team rules, it's against the rules for the public," says Hampton. "So obviously we're very disappointed the team would choose to behave this way."
Memphis in May plans to send a message that this behavior is not and will not be tolerated.
"This team had been very involved for several years in the competition," says Hampton. "And we really had not had any problems with them. Its safe to say this will be the last year they compete."
All three men bonded out of jail on bonds ranging from $30,000 to $50,000.
No other arrests were made during Barbecue Fest this weekend.
