Following an overdose death on April 7, 2022, the Hohenwald Police Department obtained a search warrant for the home of James M. Burns, on 207 Commanche Drive, after evidence was found during a thorough investigation which linked Burns to the overdose.

The search warrant was executed the same night where HPD officers recovered 21 grams of methamphetamine, 33 grams of marijuana, digital scales, packaging material, a loaded handgun and pills which are awaiting a lab test for official identification.

On Monday, July 18, 2022, Burns was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell and firearm charges from the search.

Then on June 21, 2022, a traffic stop was conducted by an HPD officer on an individual driving a green Kawasaki Ninja on Happy Hollow Road. The individual was identified as Eddie French.

After a K9 alerted the officer, a search of French and his motorcycle was conducted on the grounds of probable cause. The officer uncovered a half pound/230 grams of methamphetamine and $772.

HPD then acquired a search warrant for French's residence, located on 244 Happy Hollow Road. There officers confiscated a bag containing 29.7 grams of Fentanyl, three packages containing a total of 11.2 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, packaging material, Oxycodone and Suboxone. Officers also found an extensive security system with multiple cameras inside and outside the home, all connected to a 75 inch monitor.

French was arrested and taken into custody. While in jail, Lewis County Correctional Officers alerted HPD to information given during French's phone call to his girlfriend, Brittany Robbins. In the call, French mentioned a safe to his girlfriend which led HPD to obtain another search warrant where they confiscated French's safe and $14,000.

French, a previously convicted felon, was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, possession of Fentanyl with intent to sell, simple possession of a schedule two and three, and unlawful drug paraphernalia. Robbins received the same charges as French for the items found inside the residence.

"I want to thank the community for the information and tips that we are receiving," said Chief of Police Kip Kelsey, "I've been saying this for three years now that we can't do this alone and we need to work together. We receive tons of information now and it's helping out tremendously."

Chief Kelsey also extended his appreciation for the HPD Officers who give their all for the community, and hinted that there would be more to come in the future. "These guys work endless hours to protect our community and we can't thank them enough," said Chief Kelsey.