Two arrested for trafficking 

Nearly 12 ounces of crystal meth found; bond set at over $1 million for each suspect

By ED HOWELL

Staff Writer

 Article contributed by The Journal Record

Bonds of more than $1.5 million each have been set for two Marion County women charged with trafficking drugs. 

Marion County Sheriff Kevin Williams said on Friday, Dec. 12, that Teresa Ann Burleson, 57, and Sharon Belinda Harris, 55, both of Brilliant, were arrested at their Sunny Home residence at 1522 County Highway 59, on the east side of Marion County, near the Winston County line.  

Each was charged with trafficking and possession of paraphernalia. Burleson was also charged with second-degree possession of marijuana, and Harris was charged with first-degree possession of marijuana. 

Both were still being held at the Marion County Jail in Hamilton as of Monday, Dec. 15. Bond for Burleson was $1,503,000, while bond for Harris was $1,508,000. 

“They were arrested for  (possession of) approximately 11.5 ounces of crystal meth,” Williams said. “We did a search warrant at their residence."

They also had approximately $7,800 in U.S. currency, a “small amount” of marijuana and some drug paraphernalia, he said. 

“We seized the money. We seized everything," Williams said. 

Among the other agencies assisting were the Marion County Drug Task Force, the  District Attorney’s investigator, Brilliant and Winfield police departments, the Winston County Sheriff’s Department and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Narcotics Division. 

Information in the case was originally obtained by the Winston County Sheriff’s Department, starting an investigation that lasted “several months."

“Based on information they had, we were able to obtain a search warrant at the residence," Williams said. “We have had information about drug activity at this place for quite some time. We were able to confirm it with our new information.”

Williams said he was very pleased about how the departments cooperated and shared information on the case. 

The case involved the distribution of crystal meth. “This is not homemade meth. This was what I call the good stuff," He said. “It was imported.”

Officials are still trying to determine where the drugs came from. 

Williams said Burleson and Harris, whom he said are acquaintances, are “major drug distributors” in that area of the county.

“We’re very pleased to put them out of business right now, anyway," He said. 

He also noted that Burleson, the leader among the two suspects, has been charged in the past on trafficking several types of drugs and has been convicted on drug charges. 

“This is not her first rodeo," He said. “She is a convicted felon. She has served some time in the penitentiary." 

The two were arrested without any incident and were at the residence when the officers went in on the search. The drugs that were confiscated were in a bedroom area, he said. 

“This has been going on for quite some time, he said. “I’m very pleased to get this stopped at this momnt."

The suspects will be brought to trial in Marion County, he said. 

(When a defendant is charged with a crime, the charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.)