On Monday, October 5, 2026, officers with the Loretto Police Department,

the 22nd Judicial Drug Task Force, and the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department Patrol Unit responded to 265 Freeman Hill Road after the property owner reported that several people were staying at the residence without permission.

No one answered the door. The property owner authorized officers to make a forced entry into the residence. Officers found nine people inside, including one juvenile and one person who had recently arrived and was staying there.

The other seven people were identified as Jessica Harrison, Andre Griffen, Phillip Defoe, James Reeves, Latoya Harris, Katie Mueller, and Kelsey Clayton. While escorting the occupants from the residence, officers observed suspected drugs and paraphernalia in plain view. The property owner then authorized officers to search the residence for additional illegal items.

During the search, officers reported finding mushrooms, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, prescription pills, and a loaded .38-caliber revolver.
The seven adults will be presented to the grand jury on charges including possession of Schedule I for resale; three counts of possession of Schedule II for resale; possession of Schedule IV; possession of Schedule VI for resale; a weapons charge; possession of drug paraphernalia; and criminal trespassing. These are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Loretto Police Department and the 22nd Judicial Drug Task Force will handle the drug-related charges. The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department is investigating separate suspected theft and forgery offenses related to other items found at the residence.
This operation is a strong example of what our agencies can accomplish when we work together. Officers from the Loretto Police Department, the 22nd Judicial Drug Task Force, and the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department worked side by side throughout the operation. We appreciate the cooperation and professionalism each agency brought to this effort.