Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy James “Weston” Martin was named the Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse’s 2023 Deputy of the Year. He was honored during the club’s weekly meeting Tuesday.
Martin and his K-9 partner Rico are members of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office’s Interdiction Unit, which specializes in drug detection, driver behavior, search/seizure, interview/interrogation, and asset forfeiture. Deputy Martin and his K-9 partner are certified in drug detection, tracking, and apprehension.
Rico was recently gifted a bullet proof vest by the Jackson TN Dog Fancier’s Association.
Along with the recognition from the Exchange Club, Madison Co. Mayor AJ Massey declared March 14, 2023 “James ‘Weston’ Martin Day.”
The Sheriff’s Office nomination reads as follows:
“On February 16th, while patrolling Interstate 40 in Madison County, Deputy Martin conducted a traffic stop with the vehicle. While speaking with the driver, he observed a green leafy residue scattered about the center console. Martin determined the residue to be marijuana.
While waiting on backup to arrive, Deputy Martin continued to speak with the driver and noticed discrepancies in the driver’s explanation as to where he had been and where he was going. Once backup arrived, a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted and deputies located four duffle bags containing vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana. The total weight of the marijuana was 62.97 pounds.
Over the last year, Deputy Martin has seized over 1,314 pounds of marijuana, 55 ounces of methamphetamine, 5 pounds of cocaine, 296 doses of oxycodone, 23 firearms, $240,088 in United States currency, and several other miscellaneous drugs.”
Julia Ewoldt, julia@jacksonpost.news
