Trio of Ripley residents arrested on felony drug, shoplifting charges

A trio of Ripley residents were recently arrested on felony drug and shoplifting charges.

According g to the Booneville PD:

ARRESTS:

On 01/23/2019, Booneville patrol officers were dispatched to a disturbance occurring at a gas station on North Second Street. Officers arrived and encountered a vehicle attempting to flee the scene occupied by three subjects. Officers stopped the vehicle to conduct investigation into the disturbance.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Ray Thomas Pate, 58 of Ripley, MS. The passengers were identified as Jonathan Dewayne Robinson, 25 of Ripley, MS, and Ashanti Alcocci Alexander, 32 of Ripley, MS. Initially, Ms. Alexander gave false identifying information to the officers. Investigation during the stop led to the discovery of a misdemeanor amount of marijuana along with a felony amount of methamphetamine. Items were also discovered to have been shoplifted from Wal-Mart by Mr. Robinson and Ms. Alexander just prior to the disturbance. Mr. Pate was charged with one count of felony possession of methamphetamine, more than 1/10th but less than 2 grams. His bond was set at $5,000.00. Mr. Robinson was charged with felony possession of methamphetamine, more than 1/10th but less than 2 grams. His bond was set at $5,000.00. Ms. Alexander was charged with felony possession of methamphetamine, more than 1/10th but less than 2 grams as a habitual offender and producing false identifying information to law enforcement. Her bond was set at $10,000.00. This case will be presented to the Prentiss County grand jury. The shoplifting charges will be handled through Booneville Municipal Court.