Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office Shut Down Drug Operation

For the second time in eight months, the Hamblen County Sheriff’s office has shut down a drug operation at the same home. Earlier today, the sheriff’s office Narcotics/Gang Unit served a search warrant at the home in Russellville. Arrested were 40 year old Donald Rickard, Jr. of Russellville and 29 year old Luke Melton of Morristown. Inside the home, officers seized 31 grams of methamphetamine, 321 grams of marijuana, plus small amount of fentanyl and cocaine along with $4,528. Rickard, Jr. is charged with po9ssession of schedule II, III, IV, and V narcotics among other charges. Melton was charged with possession of schedule II. Back in December of 2022, police arrested Rickard’s parents, Donald Rickard, Sr. and Betty Sue Johnson for running an illegal pill operation out of that home. More than $100,000 in cash was seized at that time.