Operation Spring Cleaning rounds up two more suspects
The Picayune Police Department Narcotic Division’s Operation Spring Cleaning initiative rounded up two more suspects participating in the distribution of illegal narcotics according to a press release from Assistant Police Chief Jeremy Magri.
James Busetto Penton Rex Donald Moak
The first action took place on May 17 at approximately 3:00 p.m. when Narcotics Detectives arrested James Busetto Penton, age 32, of 3 Roger Penton Road, Carriere, on an outstanding warrant held by Picayune Police for Conspiracy to Sell a Controlled Substance (Crystal Methamphetamine) Within 1500 feet of a Church. Penton was located at a local business off Highway 43 South and taken to the Criminal Justice Center and booked on the warrant according to Magri.
The second action occurred while Narcotic Detectives were conducting proactive patrolling on May 22 around 12:17pm when they conducted a traffic stop on a red Ford Explorer on Bay Street near Palestine Road for Improper Equipment (busted windshield).
According to Magri’s press release, the Narcotic Detectives approached the vehicle and requested a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance from the driver, identified as Rex Donald Moak, 57, of 17 Koch Road, Picayune. While speaking with Moak, Detectives smelled a strong odor of what appeared to be Marijuana emitting from the vehicle.
At this time, a search of Moak’s person located a clear plastic bag containing a green leafy substance believed to be hydroponic marijuana and a clear plastic bag containing a crystal substance that appeared to be crystal methamphetamine from Moak’s right front pants pockets.
Moak was placed under arrest for Possession of Controlled Substance (felony), Possession of Marijuana in a Motor Vehicle, and Improper Equipment. Detectives then conducted a search of the vehicle at which time they find a butcher knife next to the front driver side seat.
It was learned through investigation that Moak was a convicted felon and was subsequently charged with Possession of a Weapon by a Felon. Moak was transported to the Criminal Justice Center where he was booked and incarcerated.
