Decatur Co. sheriff: Career criminal arrested for selling drugs in school zone

DECATUR COUNTY, Tenn. — One of Decatur County’s most frequent jailbirds has found his way back, according to the sheriff.

James Lancaster

Authorities say James Lancaster, 48, was arrested Thursday morning and charged with selling drugs in a school zone.

Records show Lancaster has been arrested 18 times since 2007 for offenses ranging from drug charges to theft and burglary.

“He’s a key player,” Decatur County Sheriff Keith Byrd said Thursday. “He has connections that reach far and wide, and getting him off the street is major victory for law enforcement.”

Investigators believe making an arrest on a major player in the local drug game like this can have a big impact on other crimes in the area as well.

“When we have someone of that caliber that’s involved in so many different crimes with the sale of narcotics that’s also involved in theft and burglaries,” said Joe Hudgins, an investigator for the Decatur County Sheriff’s Department. “It’s all stemmed from narcotics.”

The sheriff said getting a conviction for someone with this type of activity can lead to better things for the entire county.

“Our mission is to get drugs off the street and all the things that are related to the drug problem,” Sheriff Byrd said. “Any time we can get a major player off the streets, it’s a big deal for us.”

Authorities said Lancaster is being held without bond in Decatur County and will be arraigned Monday.

The U.S. Marshals assisted in this arrest.