Mt. Vernon Register-News

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March 19, 2013

Local man arrested on drug charges

By RICK HAYES rick.hayes@register-news.com

INA — — A Bonnie man has been arrested on drug charges following the execution of a search warrant by local authorities this past weekend.

Alvin Chelf, 42, was taken into custody early Sunday morning by Salem Assistant Chief of Police Jordan Spetter with assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department.

Chelf was stopped at a private residence on Cherryville Lane in the Nason area, according to Ina Chief of Police Travis Allen.

Allen said that Ina P.D. officer Anthony Amato received information Saturday from a confidential informant that "someone was going to be cooking meth in Bonnie." Upon further investigation, authorities learned the suspect in question was purchasing meth-making materials in Salem.

Amato then called Spetter, and those two sought and received from the the Jefferson County State's Attorney's office a search warrant for a residence on Short Street in Bonnie. Sheriff's deputies and officers with the High Risk Team of the city and county then executed the search warrant and secured the residence. The suspect was not at home when the search warrant was executed, however, police found substances that tested positive for amphetamine and other narcotic substances.

At approximately 4 a.m. Sunday, the suspect returned home while police were finishing up collecting evidence. A short pursuit followed when the suspect took off from the residence in a truck. The stop was then made near Nason and Chelf was taken into custody without incident. Formal charges against Chelf in connection with Sunday's arrest have not been filed by State's Attorney Doug Hoffman, who said Monday he is reviewing the case. Bail has not been set.

"We're starting to crack down on this," Allen said Monday. "We're looking at a couple of other residences in Bonnie. This type of activity tears communities apart. We're sending a message that if you buy or sell drugs in the Bonnie area you will be hearing from us. We will not tolerate this type of activity."

Chelf was arrested in February on charges of meth manufacturing more than 15 grams, a Class 1 felony; possession of meth-making materials, a Class 2 felony; possession of meth more than 5 grams, a Class 3 felony; and possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor. A preliminary hearing on those charges is scheduled 9:30 a.m. May 21.

Chelf was also charged on Jan. 10 with two counts of domestic battery, Class A misdemeanors. A preliminary hearing on those charges is also scheduled for 9:30 a.m. May 21.

 

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Mt. Vernon Police blocked a portion of North Ninth Street Wednesday morning about 11 a.m. after reports the brick facade of the apartment building at the corner of Ninth and Maple streets was falling to the ground. The bricks took out cable lines, awnings and were landing on the street.