Deputies search for man who misses meth trafficking trial in Jones County

JONES COUNTY — Deputies are asking for the public’s help locating a 45-year-old man who failed to appear Thursday for a scheduled methamphetamine trafficking trial, the Jones County Sheriff’s Department said.

Authorities identified the man as Darrett Cooley and said a bench warrant has been issued after he did not appear in Jones County Circuit Court. Cooley is charged with trafficking of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, as a habitual offender, the department said.

Anyone with information about Cooley’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Jones County Sheriff’s Department at 601-425-3147. Tipsters may also call Jones County Crime Stoppers at 601-428-STOP. The sheriff’s department said callers could be eligible for a financial reward if the information leads to Cooley’s arrest.

Trafficking of methamphetamine is typically a felony and habitual-offender designations can lead to enhanced penalties under criminal statutes. Law enforcement agencies routinely ask the public not to approach suspects and to report tips to authorities.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more details become available.