Red Bay | A 23-year-old Red Bay man remained behind bars in the Franklin County Jail on Tuesday after being charged last week with several crimes, including compelling street gang membership.
Red Bay Police arrested Paul Louis Porter, Jr., on April 24. He was booked into the jail and charged with compelling street gang membership, conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime, and possession of drug paraphernalia, and receiving stolen property, fourth degree.
Red Bay Police Chief Janna Jackson said the charges all stemmed from Belmont officers finding a stolen weapon and following up on the lead.
“We recovered a .38 revolver with ammo,” Jackson said. “Lieutenant Investigator Rodney Belue started the investigation after Belmont Police stopped a vehicle where the occupants were in possession of a stolen gun. It was found at that time that Porter was possibly in possession of another stolen gun in Red Bay.”
“It was discovered during the investigation that part of the trade with the stolen gun involved possible gang membership.” Jackson said Porter offered rank within a gang with the deal of gun. Additional arrests may come from the incident.
Jackson said the investigation and arrest were the result of three agencies working together, and said she appreciated the help the Belmont Police and Colbert County Sheriff’s Department had been to her department in pursuing the investigation.
