Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports the Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force has been conducting a lengthy investigation involving drug and gun distribution throughout Madison County. The investigation further identified the primary suspect, Ladarirs Rashod Edwards, 24, of Madison, as an individual that’s been historically documented by the Florida Department of Corrections as a “Bloods” criminal gang member. The investigation further learned that Edwards had made direct threats relating to Sheriff’s Office personnel and their safety. On Tuesday, June 9, investigators attempted to stop Edwards but he jumped from the vehicle and fled on foot leaving behind his cell phone and illegal narcotics (Bath Salts). Investigators obtained a felony arrest warrant for Edwards and executed a search warrant on the phone. Evidence from the phone revealed a Madison County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher, Wanda Cotrell Taylor, 25, of Madison had communicated with Edwards on several occasions for the purpose of obtaining drugs.
Taylor was hired by MCSO in February of 2015. Sheriff Stewart took immediate action and terminated Taylor’s employment from the Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, June 16. On Tuesday, June 16, Edwards’s location was suspected to be in Lowndes County Georgia. Assistance was requested from Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, which soon confirmed Edwards’s location actually in Brooks County, Georgia. Edwards was taken into custody on the Madison County warrant with additional charges (weapons, illegal substances and resisting) coming from Georgia during his arrest. Additionally, Lowndes County discovered in Edwards’s possession a list of sensitive Sheriff’s Office personnel information as well as two Madison County Emergency Medical Services radios with Sheriff’s Office frequencies. The investigation continued and revealed that Taylor had provided the sensitive information and radios to Edwards in exchange for illegal substances. Taylor was arrested and charged with three counts of unlawful use of police radios, one count of grand theft, official misconduct, principle in the first degree and obstruction.
A warrant to search the residence of Edwards (196 SE Oak Street Madison, Fl.) was obtained and executed on Tuesday, June 16. The warrant discovered additional controlled substances (Bath Salts), firearms, ammunition and counterfeit currency. Present at the residence was Edwards’s girlfriend, Ashley Lamb, 24, of Madison, who was taken into custody and charged with possession of counterfeit currency and resisting. Additional charges resulting from the search warrant are being filed in Madison County for Edwards. Edwards, in addition to Georgia’s current charges, was charged with possession of controlled substance, resisting, possession of firearm by convicted felon, possession of counterfeit currency and unlawful use of police radios. He has 23 previous arrests: 2007-grand theft auto, no driver’s license (Madison County), 2008-disturbing peace, disorderly conduct, aggravated battery (bodily harm/disability domestic violence) (Madison County), 2009-probation violation (Madison County), carrying concealed weapon (firearm) (Tallahassee Police), carrying concealed weapon (firearm) (Madison County), 2010-possession controlled substance (MDMA), concealed weapon (Madison County), probation violation (Leon County), resisting arrest (Leon County), 2011- Carrying concealed weapon (Firearm) (Madison County), 2013-aggravated battery on law enforcement, resisting with violence, burglary to occupied dwelling (Jacksonville), 2014- Failure to appear (Madison County), resisting with violence (Jacksonville), possession of controlled substance (2 cts), suspended Driver’s license (Jefferson County), possession of marijuana less than 20, resisting, criminal mischief, paraphernalia, (Madison Police Department).
The investigation continues with the potential for additional arrests and/or charges.
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1. Photo Submitted. - Ashley Lynn Lamb.
2. Photo Submitted. - Ladarirs Rashod Edwards.
3. Photo Submitted. - Wanda Cotrell Taylor.