Byhalia Officials Embroiled in Burglary and Drug Charges

BYHALIA, Miss. (BuzzReport) – A cloud of controversy hangs over the town of Byhalia as a current alderman and a former mayor have been arrested following a grand jury indictment. The charges stem from a reported burglary that took place in October 2023 and involve allegations of stolen property and drug-related offenses.

Former Byhalia Mayor Deborah Tuttle Weathers and her sister, Lori Wilson, were arrested Tuesday and charged with burglary of a building and conspiracy to commit commercial burglary. The victim in the case is Wilson’s son and Weather’s nephew, who alleges that the two women stole furniture, appliances, electronics, and other valuable items, estimated at around $150,000, from buildings on his property off McCray Road. According to the victim’s report to Marshall County deputies, the thefts occurred over a one to two-week period. He further claims to have evidence that the stolen items were subsequently sold at a yard sale, allegedly to cover expenses in an ongoing legal dispute. Weathers and Wilson have since been released on bail.

Adding to the turmoil, current Byhalia Alderwoman Delainer Richmond faces charges of receiving stolen property exceeding $25,000 in connection with the same incident. She is accused of unlawfully possessing and retaining the items allegedly stolen by Weathers and Wilson. Richmond’s bond has been revoked due to a pre-existing drug case against her, and she remains in custody.

This isn’t Richmond’s first brush with the law. In June 2024, she was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and manufacturing marijuana after police responded to an alarm call at her residence. A search warrant led to the discovery of growing marijuana plants, methamphetamine, firearms, and a large amount of ammunition. Curtis Richmond was also arrested at the time on related charges.

Despite the serious allegations and pending drug case, Mayor Donald Hollingsworth confirmed that Richmond was recently re-elected as a city alderman. He expressed uncertainty about the future of her position, stating, “I’m going to have to talk to the city attorney. That’s above my pay scale.”

Mayor Hollingsworth, who assumed office in April 2024, acknowledged awareness of Richmond’s arrest but declined to comment on the specifics of the case, citing its lack of direct involvement with the city. He also confirmed that Weathers resigned from her position as mayor in December 2023 due to disagreements with board members.

The unfolding situation has shocked the small Mississippi town, raising questions about the integrity of its elected officials and the potential impact on local governance. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and further developments are expected as the cases progress through the courts. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department is continuing its investigation into the matter.