A months-long investigation into local drug trafficking has culminated in a massive multi-agency sweep, resulting in felony charges against 22 individuals.

Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris announced the launch of “Operation Protecting Putnam” on Thursday, July 9, 2026. The crackdown followed a series of indictments handed down by a Putnam County Grand Jury earlier in the week on Monday, July 6.

The extensive operation was spearheaded by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) Narcotics Division, but relied on heavy reinforcement from state and federal law enforcement. Partner agencies included the FBI, DEA, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), the Tennessee Army National Guard Counter Drugs Division, and the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) Warrants Division.

“Every person arrested in this operation made the choice to be involved in illegal drug activity,” Sheriff Farris said in a statement. “There is no excuse for that kind of behavior… Our message is clear: if you choose to deal drugs in Putnam County, expect to be investigated, arrested, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

During the execution of the active arrest warrants, authorities discovered and seized a variety of illegal narcotics and firearms.

Individuals Arrested and Charged

The operation targeted suspected dealers ranging in age from 27 to 71. Most of the suspects face a scheduled court date of September 10, 2026.

The individuals arrested on Thursday include:

• Britinie Leshay Campbell (27): 4 counts of Manufacture, Delivery, and Sell of Methamphetamine ($50,000 bond).

• James David Cooper (50): 4 counts of Manufacture, Delivery, and Sell of Methamphetamine ($75,000 bond).

• Christopher Willard Fraizer (48): Manufacture, Delivery, and Sell of Methamphetamine ($150,000 bond).

• Tabitha Lynn Guffey (34): 2 counts of Manufacture, Delivery, and Sell of Methamphetamine ($75,000 bond).

• Roger Hayes (59): 4 counts of Manufacture, Delivery, and Sell of Schedule II Drugs ($75,000 bond).

• Beth Mariee Jones (49): 7 counts of Manufacture, Delivery, and Sell of Methamphetamine ($75,000 bond).

• Brent Tommy Jones (32): 2 counts of Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Schedule II Drugs and Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Fentanyl ($100,000 bond).

• Justin Wallace Jones (34): 2 counts of Manufacture, Delivery, and Sell ($75,000 bond).

• Jefferey Allen Kirby Jr. (40): 4 counts of Manufacture, Delivery, and Sell of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia ($50,000 bond).

• Bonnie Lyell (71): 4 counts of Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Schedule II Drugs ($50,000 bond).

• Tosha Marie Murphy (46): 2 counts of Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Methamphetamine ($75,000 bond).

• Cathy Davis Price (65): 6 counts of Manufacture, Delivery, and Sell of Methamphetamine ($75,000 bond).

• Kevin James Scheaffer (43): 2 counts of Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Methamphetamine ($75,000 bond).

• Michael Lee Swallows (37): 4 counts of Manufacture, Delivery, and Sell of Schedule II Drugs and 4 counts of Fentanyl ($75,000 bond).

• Alex Dailey Thomas (58): Maintaining a Dwelling for Drug Use ($40,000 bond).

• Gilbert Wennerstrom (68): 4 counts of Manufacture, Delivery, and Sell of Methamphetamine ($75,000 bond).

Additional Charges & Arrests

Four individuals who were already incarcerated faced additional served warrants and new drug charges:

• Candice Lindsey (29): 2 counts of Manufacture, Delivery, and Sell of Cocaine ($75,000 bond).

• Stephanie Hill (34): 4 counts of Manufacture, Delivery, and Sell of Methamphetamine ($75,000 bond).

• Cynthia Flanigan (49): Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Methamphetamine ($75,000 bond).

• Brittany Clouse (34): 4 counts of Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Methamphetamine ($75,000 bond).

Two other individuals, Abigail Litwin (33) and Alexis Marie Sellgren-Feliciano (32), were also apprehended during the sweep on unrelated, outstanding warrants.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office noted that the investigation remains fluid and more updates are expected over the coming days.