Loudon County Sheriff Tim Guider says a search warrant served yesterday led to the arrest of two men.

The search warrant was a result of a lengthy investigation conducted by agents with the 9th Judicial Drug Task Force, consisting of agents from the 9th District Attorney General’s Office, the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office, the Lenoir City Police Department and the Loudon Police Department. Agents had received several complaints from residents in the area of activity that was likely drug related. Those tips led to the investigation by the 9th DTF (Drug Task Force).

Two men were arrested as a result of the search warrant from the residence, located on Riverview Road in Lenoir City.

Eric Andre Stegall and Ivan Enrique Melian, both of Lenoir City, were taken into custody. Stegall was charged with resisting arrest. Melian was charged with resisting arrest, simple possession of Schedule VI narcotics and tampering with evidence.

“We strongly encourage our community to be observant to the things that go on in your neighborhoods, to be alert to things that seem unusual or illegal. Your knowledge could lead us to criminal activity; activity that our team of DTF agents, CID Detectives and Patrol Deputies are committed to identifying and to stopping,” said Sheriff Guider.

If you have a tip concerning illegal drug activity, you are encouraged to report it to the Loudon County Sheriff’s Department anonymous drug hotline at (865) 988-DRUG.