Chattanooga, October 26, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga police arrested three men involved in cocaine distribution at Shady’s Corner Bar following complaints of drink tampering and sexual assaults. The undercover operation led to the sale of cocaine by the bar’s kitchen manager and two accomplices. Each suspect now faces felony drug resale charges. The police emphasize their commitment to ensuring patron safety in local establishments amidst ongoing concerns about drink spiking.
Chattanooga – An undercover investigation led by the Chattanooga police resulted in the arrest of three men for cocaine distribution at Shady’s Corner Bar. The operation was initiated following multiple complaints of drink tampering and associated sexual assaults at the establishment.
On September 11, 2023, police officers conducted a sting operation where kitchen manager Darian Stevens sold one gram of cocaine for $80 to an undercover officer. During this transaction, officers observed several pre-packaged bags of cocaine within Stevens’ vehicle. Subsequently, on September 25, 2023, another suspect, Lebron Dexter Jackson, sold 1.25 grams of cocaine for $70 to an undercover officer as well, and police reported a history of previous transactions involving Jackson. When arrested, law enforcement officials found a “large amount” of cocaine in his pants pocket.
In addition to Stevens and Jackson, the third suspect, Micah Hand, was also arrested and discovered to have cocaine in his possession. All three suspects now face serious legal charges, including felony drug resale. Specifically, Jackson faces three felony drug resale charges, Stevens faces two, and Hand faces one charge related to cocaine distribution.
The investigation culminated in a search of Shady’s Corner Bar; however, no additional drugs or evidence were found on the premises. The three men are scheduled to appear in court on November 4, 2023.
This event shines a light on ongoing concerns regarding the safety of patrons at local bars, as the initial undercover investigation was prompted by numerous complaints about drink spiking and its connection to potential sexual assault cases. The Chattanooga police have made it clear that they take such allegations seriously and are committed to ensuring the safety of the public.
As local authorities work to address these issues, the arrests serve as a reminder of the significant implications surrounding illicit drug sales and the dangers they pose to community safety.
Arrest Details
- Arrestees: Lebron Dexter Jackson, Micah Hand, Darian Stevens
- Charges:
- Jackson: three felony drug resale charges
- Stevens: two felony drug resale charges
- Hand: one felony drug resale charge
- Scheduled court appearance: November 4, 2023
Background of Investigation
- Initiated due to multiple complaints of drink tampering and sexual assault
- Undercover operations on September 11 and September 25 led to arrests
- Search of Shady’s Corner Bar revealed no further evidence
Implications for Public Safety
- Focus on safety of patrons in local bars
- Ongoing concerns regarding drink spiking incidents
FAQ
What prompted the undercover investigation at Shady’s Corner Bar?
The investigation was prompted by multiple complaints of drink tampering and associated sexual assaults at the bar.
When were the arrests made?
The arrests took place following undercover operations conducted on September 11 and September 25, 2023.
What charges do the suspects face?
Jackson faces three felony drug resale charges, Stevens faces two charges, and Hand faces one charge.
When are the suspects scheduled to appear in court?
All three suspects are scheduled to appear in court on November 4, 2023.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Shady’s Corner Bar, Chattanooga |
| Arrest Date | September 11 and September 25, 2023 |
| Suspects | Lebron Dexter Jackson, Micah Hand, Darian Stevens |
| Charges | Jackon (3), Stevens (2), Hand (1) |
| Court Date | November 4, 2023 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- News Channel 9
- Local 3 News
- Chattanoogan
- Google Search: Chattanooga drug arrests
- WDEF News 12
- Encyclopedia Britannica: drug law
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
