Conuard Thomas “Tommy” Higdon, 70, of Trenton, was convicted of drug-related offenses, including Trafficking Methamphetamine and Possession of Methamphetamine, by a Dade County jury on April 21, 2025, following a trial presided over by Judge Chris Arnt. The conviction stemmed from an investigation conducted by agents with the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force.

According to evidence presented at trial, agents were conducting a drug investigation at a residence on Spring Lake Drive when Higdon approached them in his pickup truck. Upon making eye contact with Agent Ryan Matthews, Higdon displayed a surprised reaction and was observed attempting to conceal a black magnetic box near the center console of his truck. A subsequent consent search of the vehicle led to the discovery and seizure of approximately 40 grams of methamphetamine located inside the box.

The case was investigated by Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force Commander Casey York. Senior Assistant District Attorney Kevin Baugh, assisted by Administrative Assistant Tamara Clayton, Victim-Witness Services Director Amy Reed, and Chief Investigator Christy Smith, presented the case. Higdon was sentenced on April 23, 2025, to twelve years in prison, followed by eighteen years on probation, and a $200,000 fine.

District Attorney Clayton M. Fuller emphasized his commitment to combatting methamphetamine trafficking within the circuit. “I grew up watching methamphetamine hollow out the heart of Appalachian towns. It has robbed families and wrecked futures. I’m sick of it,” Fuller stated. “And alongside leaders like Commander York, I will fight this scourge with everything the law allows. We will not waver.”