Fairfield Man Arrested on Theft and Drug Charges Monday

A Fairfield man is behind bars in the White County Jail after Carmi Police arrested him Monday morning on the corner of Oak and 6^th.  According to authorities, 40 year old Edward Riley was taken into custody following a retail theft from Tractor Supply in Carmi.  It happened Sunday and after obtaining video footage, a Carmi officer recognized Riley as the suspect.  When law enforcement tracked Riley down, they say he attempted to swallow a plastic bag filled with meth and fentanyl during transport.  Some of the stolen TSC merchandise was recovered in Riley’s possession.  He’s facing felony charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Use of Property, and Obstructing Justice.  In addition, Riley faces a count each of misdemeanor Retail Theft and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Riley had steered clear of trouble in White County since 2002.  He was arrested in Wayne County for Theft in December and is due in court there Thursday.