Pickens County Sheriff's Office makes a dozen arrests after undercover meth investigation

Pickens County Sheriff Rick Clark said his deputies have made a dozen arrests from an undercover methamphetamine investigation.

He said investigators did hard and dangerous undercover work since May to target high-level meth dealers.

But while the investigation was a success in getting several trafficking and distribution charges, he said, law enforcement cannot solve the problem of meth.

"We'll never arrest our way out of meth," the sheriff said.

He said high level arrests will continue to happen but he also said treatment is important because arrests can't keep pace with addicts.

A national study of meth users, with one of seven sites being in Pickens County, will hopefully be a long term answer to meth problems, Clark said.

The study, locally through Behavioral Health Services of Pickens County, is not affiliated with law enforcement and users are not reported to authorities.

The study, which has also been running since May, gives users medications to treat meth use. There are no such medications approved by the FDA.

Elizabeth Chapman, director of research, said it is the most recent of five methamphetamine studies for the center.

She said additional people participating will help shape treatment options for the serious drug.

These people were charged as part of the investigation:

- Steven Kevin Bruening, 55, of Pickens, is charged with two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.

- Kurtis Russell Burns, 37, of Liberty, is charged with five counts of trafficking in methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of marijuana, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine in a school zone and five weapons offenses for unlawful possession of stolen weapons or possession of a weapon while committing a crime.

- Scott Allen Durham, 54, of Central, is charged with one count of trafficking methamphetamine, one count of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

- Sheila Elaine Durham, 48, of Central, is charged with possession of methamphetamine.

- Jeremy Lee Farmer, 29, of Easley, is charged with one count of distribution of methamphetamine.

- Joshua Dalton Kelly, 33, of Greenville, is charged with two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.

- Brandi Nicole O'Bryant, 33, of Central, is charged with one count of trafficking in methamphetamine.

- Jonathan Michael Palm, 29, of Greenville, is charged with one count of distribution of methamphetamine.

- William Lee Presley, 41, of Pickens, is charged with two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.

- Darrin Fitzgerald Rice, 50, of Pickens, is charged with one count of trafficking in methamphetamine.

- Tracy Renee Scivedge, 46, of Easley, is charged with one count of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine.

- Kenneth Clayton Waldrop, 55, of Greenville, is charged with four counts of distribution of methamphetamine.

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