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Mitchell Man Arrested After Attempting To Communicate With Inmate

Last updated on Monday, August 10, 2015

(BEDFORD) - A Mitchell man was arrested after he attempted to communicate with an inmate outside of the Lawrence County Jail.

According to Sheriff Mike Branham, 36-year-old Rhett Lewis of Mitchell was outside of the Lawrence County Jail in the alley that runs behind the jail yelling at an inmate.

"Sgt. Dave Flynn was outside and witnessed the exchange," Branham says. "He asked Mr. Lewis to get back into the vehicle that was parked in the alleyway and he refused."

Branham says there was a verbal exchange between the officer and Lewis.

"It wasn't a pleasant exchange on Mr. Lewis' part," Branham added. "The officer also detected the strong odor of alcohol and that Mr. Lewis was impaired."

After several warnings Sgt. Flynn arrested Lewis.

"Mr. Lewis failed to comply and was pulling away from the officer," Branham says. "He was finally taken into custody without incident."

Lewis is facing charges of resisting arrest and public intoxication.

The woman who was driving, Lisa Ricketts, also of Mitchell, was impaired.

"Officers could smell the odor of alcohol on her breath," Branham says. "She was given a breathalyzer and tested below the legal limit."

But while questioning Ricketts officers noticed a tin that contained marijuana in the vehicle.

"Ms. Ricketts admitted the marijuana was hers," Branham added.

She was cited into court on a charge of possession of marijuana.

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