ST. JOSEPH POLICE TAKE AIM AT ILLEGAL DRUG ACTIVITY, ARREST LOCAL MAN ON MULTIPLE CHARGES

ST. JOSEPH, Tenn. — An alert St. Joseph police officer's attention to detail led to the recovery of stolen property, the seizure of suspected illegal drugs, and the arrest of a local man on multiple criminal charges, including possession of methamphetamine for resale.
On October 16, 2026, an off-duty St. Joseph Police Department officer spotted a bicycle outside the local Dollar General matching the description of one recently stolen in Loretto. The bicycle's distinctive white-wall tires caught the officer's attention. Although it had been spray-painted black, an investigation revealed its original green paint.
The officer identified the individual in possession of the bicycle as Kirt Brandon Daniel, 47, of St. Joseph. During the investigation, Daniel was also found in possession of suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
The Loretto Police Department assisted in recovering the stolen bicycle, while St. Joseph police seized the suspected narcotics and paraphernalia.
Arrest warrants were subsequently obtained charging Daniel with:
Theft
Vandalism
Possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine)
Possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance (marijuana)
Possession of drug paraphernalia
On November 3, a St. Joseph police officer located Daniel and took him into custody on the outstanding warrants. During the arrest, officers discovered additional suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, resulting in additional charges of possession of methamphetamine for resale and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Daniel was transported to the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department for booking.
City Manager Chris D. Jackson praised the department's vigilance and delivered a firm message regarding illegal drug activity in St. Joseph.
“I am proud of our police officers and their determination to confront the surge of illegal drugs threatening our communities. Let me be absolutely clear: Drug activity is not welcome in St. Joseph. Mayor Carter, the City Commission, and I stand firmly behind our officers and their efforts to get these drugs off our streets. Our residents deserve safe neighborhoods, and we will not back down in our fight to protect them.”
The St. Joseph Police Department extends its appreciation to the Loretto Police Department for its assistance in this investigation. This case underscores the importance of vigilant policing and strong partnerships between neighboring law enforcement agencies.
The City of St. Joseph remains committed to supporting proactive law enforcement, combating illegal drugs, and ensuring that every resident can feel safe in the community they call home.
All charges are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.