Danny Lee Whitmire, director of Jumpstart Ministries, was arrested on Friday, October 30, and taken into custody by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office. According to court documents, the arrest followed an undercover drug operation carried out by the 3rd Judicial District Drug Task Force.
Investigators allege that in September 2026, Whitmire was in contact with undercover agents via cell phone regarding the purchase of pain medication. During the course of the investigation, Whitmire reportedly purchased 10 pills from one of the agents. According to an affidavit, Whitmire informed the agent that he typically bought Percocet from another individual and expected more to be available from that source later in the weekend.
Whitmire has been charged with illegal use of a communication device, a felony, and possession of a counterfeit substance. He was booked into the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Detention Center following his arrest. His first court appearance is scheduled for December 7, 2026.
Sharp County Sheriff Shane Russell issued a press release discussing the arrest. No further details were immediately available.