Keith Brunelle

    Five Meridian people, two of which are husband and wife, were arrested Wednesday night during a drug roundup initiated by agents of the Marion Police Department.

    Marion Police Department Chief Ben Langston said Thursday afternoon four of those arrested were in connection with operations by the agency’s drug enforcement team while the fifth was a separate case.

    Arrested were, Keith W. Brunelle, 40, and his wife, Tabitha A. Brunelle, 38, of 4933 Skyview Drive in Meridian. Both were charged with sale of a controlled substance in addition to endangerment of children. Langston said the couple allegedly conducted their drug transactions with their children present.

    Langston said Hannah L. Burnham, 22, of 5520 North Hills Street and Michael D. Griffin, 36, of Meridian, were also taken into custody Wednesday night. Burnham was charged with the sale of a controlled substance while Griffin was charged with the sale of marijuana. Langston said these four individuals were rounded up by his agents who were assisted by deputies with the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department.

    Langston said the fifth person, Jessica P. Diamond, 22, of 2812 20th Street in Meridian, was arrested with assistance of the Meridian Police Department at a Meridian restaurant where she worked. She was charged with the sale of a controlled substance.

    Langston said to let these arrests be a warning to those who want to come to Marion and ply their illegal trade.

    “Marion is a small town and like all small towns everyone knows everyone,” Langston said. “We will be watching and listening to what is going on so don’t be surprised when we come knocking on your door.”

    Langston said over the course of several weeks his drug team has been operating undercover surveillance and making drug buys to build their cases. He said the men who make up the force may be few but they are efficient in their operations.

    “We have nothing but time on our side,” Langston said. “We can be methodical, and we want to be, in order to build solid cases. Time will only run out on those people who come to Marion and sell illegal drugs.”