Athens Residents Arrested for Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine

Strategic Insights -

Two Athens residents, Mickey Antonio Bott, 43, and Matthew Daniel Bailey, 41, were arrested on Monday night and charged with trafficking dangerous drugs, after police discovered fentanyl, methamphetamine, and opioid tablets in their vehicle during a traffic stop on Interstate 65. The investigation led to the discovery of a fentanyl/methamphetamine mixture, methamphetamine, opioid tablets, marijuana, and bundled U.S. currency in the vehicle. Bott and Bailey have both faced previous felony charges in Limestone County, with Bailey being convicted of second-degree assault in September and possessing a controlled substance in February 2018.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bott and Bailey were arrested on Monday night after a traffic stop on Interstate 65.
  • Police discovered fentanyl, methamphetamine, and opioid tablets in the vehicle.
  • Bott is charged with trafficking dangerous drugs, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
  • Bailey faces charges of trafficking dangerous drugs, possession of a controlled substance, second-degree possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
  • Bott is being held in the Morgan County Jail in lieu of a $135,000 bond, while Bailey is being held in a separate section of the same jail in lieu of a $125,000 bond.
  • Bailey has faced previous felony charges in Limestone County, including a conviction for second-degree assault in September and felony possession of a controlled substance in February 2018.
  • Bott has also faced charges in Limestone County, including identity theft in September 2023, with a settlement docket scheduled for September 3.

Statistics:

  • The investigation yielded a discovery of a fentanyl/methamphetamine mixture, methamphetamine, opioid tablets, marijuana, and bundled U.S. currency within the vehicle.
  • Bott is being held in the Morgan County Jail with a bond total of $135,000.
  • Bailey is being held in the same jail with a bond total of $125,000.
  • Bailey was convicted of second-degree assault in September and received a 10-year sentence, which was suspended.
  • Bailey was convicted of felony possession of a controlled substance in February 2018 and received a two-year suspended sentence.

Sources:

  • The Decatur Daily (Jul. 9, 2025)
  • Priceville Police Department
  • Morgan County Jail
  • Limestone County District Court
  • Limestone County Circuit Judge Chad Wise