DRUG CHARGES DROPPED AGAINST ELDERLY CHLOE MAN

(03/09/2013)
Drug charges brought against an elderly Chloe man in Roane County have been dismissed.

Thomas Cooper, 73, was one of three people arrested during a traffic stop in Spencer about two years ago, police found drugs in the vehicle.

Cooper's attorney Ernie Skaggs said the man is suffering from dementia and other physical ailments and is reportedly in a nursing home.

Skaggs said it is unlikely Cooper would be able to stand trial.

Roane County prosecutor Josh Downey agreed with the dismissal, and Judge David W. Nibert agreed. The charges could be refiled.

In the incident, Crystal Bell Cooper, 27, of Arnoldsburg, pled guilty to having Fentanyl and was sentenced to three years probation, attend drug treatment and perform community service.

Samantha Brooke Starcher, 22, of Millstone, pled guilty earlier and was sentenced to home confinement.