6 held in Friday drug sting

Several residents of Grand Ridge residents and a Marianna resident were arrested Friday as a result of separate investigations by the Jackson County Drug Task Force.
James Wayne Mears, Christopher Wayne Mears, Debra Lynn Evans, Patricia Nanette Phillmon, Joseph Willard Glisson and Edna Bennett Torres were all booked into the Jackson County Correctional Facility Friday, according to a news release from the task force.
According to the news release, task force investigators conducted a lengthy drug investigation Friday in the southeast part of Jackson County. During the course of the investigation, James Wayne Mears, of 860 Saint Rose Road, Grand Ridge, and his son Christopher Wayne Mears, 5907 U.S. Highway 90, Marianna, were both arrested on Arkansas Road near Ocheesee Boat Landing after purchasing a “large” quantity of Loritab prescription medication, which contains hydrocodone.
Both the Mearses face charges of trafficking in hydrocodone, and James Mears will also face additional drug-related charges to be determined later, according to the news release.
After the arrest of James Wayne Mears, task force investigators traveled to his Grand Ridge residence, which he shares with Debra Lynn Evans and Patricia Nanette Phillmon, according to the news release.
At the Mears’ residence, investigators obtained permission to search the residence. Evidence was obtained to charge Debra Lynn Evans with possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana, and Patricia Nanette Phillmon with trafficking in hydrocodone and possession of methamphetamine, the news release stated.
In separate drug investigation, a search warrant was served at the residence of Joseph Willard Glisson and Edna Bennett Torres, who both reside at 1266 Glisson Lane in Grand Ridge.
Warrants for the arrest of Glisson and Torres had previously been obtained during the course of the investigation for the alleged sale and delivery of marijuana. Glisson also had an active warrant for trafficking in hydrocodone, according to the news release.
During the search of the Glisson Lane residence other contraband was discovered, including 21 small marijuana plants, a large quantity of marijuana seed, bagged marijuana, two sets of scales and bags for weighing and packaging drugs, prescription medication and several firearms, the task force reported.
In addition to the active warrants, Glisson is also being charged with the cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Torres, in addition to her warrants, is also being charged with cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia, the news release said.
The Jackson County Drug Task Force is the combined effort of the Cottondale, Graceville and Marianna police departments, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Jackson County Sheriff’’s Office.