MARION – A man was recently cited for having meth and on other charges after Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Diederich and sheriff’s deputies were patrolling the area of 903 W. Cherry St. in Marion in an unmarked sheriff’s patrol vehicle and noticed two people outside the Zion United Church of Christ in this area.

The sheriff’s office says this happened around 1:45 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14.

Upon arriving at the northeast side of the church, two individuals were seen standing in an exterior stairwell. Sheriff Diederich and a deputy got out of the patrol vehicle and made contact with both subjects. The male subject, later identified as Sean M. Simmons, was observed to have a bike and multiple bags in proximity which he stated belonged to him. Simmons had previously stated he was on the church property looking for shelter for the night. Simmons also stated he had been checking the door handles on the building.

A subsequent investigation resulted in a consent search of Simmons’ belongings which discovered used hypodermic syringes and other drug paraphernalia containing methamphetamine. Simmons was advised he was under arrest but initially refused to place his hands behind his back. He was quickly secured in handcuffs.

While deputies continued to search Simmons’ bag, they had him sit on a bench underneath the awning. Deputies asked Simmons to stand up, so they could search his person and place his personal belongings into a bag prior to transporting him. As Simmons stood up, Sheriff Diederich observed him toss an item behind him and into the grass. The item was identified as a glass smoking device, which contained a white crystal-like residue which later field tested positive for Methamphetamine. Once the search of Simmons’ person was complete, he was escorted to the patrol vehicle at which time he stopped walking and attempted to back away from deputies.

Deputies then heard Simmons manipulating something in his hands and observed him attempting to open a white piece of notebook paper, which was suspected of containing illegal narcotics. Deputies attempted to take the paper from Simmons, and he pulled away. At that time, a deputy wrapped his arms around Simmons, drove him into the grass area, and assisted him to the ground. Simmons rolled to his back and refused to roll over to his stomach. Simmons was rolled to his stomach and his hands were observed to be empty. Upon looking back towards the parking lot, Deputies located the piece of paper lying in the grass near the edge of the pavement. Inside of the paper was 1.45 grams of Methamphetamine.

Simmons was cited for Possession of Methamphetamine, Resisting a Peace Officer, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was taken to the Williamson County Jail.