AL man arrested in Texas, charged with transporting 20 pounds of marijuana

BULLOCK CO., AL (WSFA) - Raymond Rodgers has been the high sheriff in Bullock County for 14 years. He thought he'd seen it all, but admitted Tuesday that the latest development in Texas has shocked him.

"I know the parents of these two young men, and they're good parents," said Sheriff Rodgers.

Texas troopers pulled over 31-year old James Baldwin, of Troy, and his younger brother 26-year old Theodis Baldwin, of Union Springs, Sunday morning on I-40 near Amarillo, Texas. Authorities say troopers found 20 pounds of marijuana worth around $121,000 on the streets.

Theodis Baldwin was not charged because he apparently didn't know the drug was in the car even though he was driving.

According to Texas investigators, James Baldwin allegedly picked up the dope in Sacramento, California, with plans to haul it back to Bullock and Pike Counties, a distance of more than 2,000 miles.

James Baldwin faces one count of marijuana possession. Court records in Texas show he's already posted his $10,000 bond.

"We have a drug problem in Bullock County and marijuana is the number one choice, but we're also short on law enforcement," said Rodgers.

Hundreds of Bullock County school children live on the Pike-Bullock County line, fertile ground where suspect drug dealers try to sell their dope, according to Sheriff Rodgers.

"It's already in our school system. We get complaints everyday about dope being in the schools," said Rodgers.

With a very limited staff and resources, Raymond Rodgers is singing the praises of his counterparts three states away. It's one less drug case he has to investigate and a much-needed victory for law enforcement in this long running war against illegal drugs.

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