The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was busy this past week as Sheriff Degase placed a primary focus on the growing methamphetamine problem. All deputies were working methamphetamine-related information in between taking the usual calls, Degase said.
K-9 Officer Brad Loveless and Deputy Nathan Long arrested Timothy Rehard, age 27, and Richard Mathis, 46, both of Ava, Friday evening April 22, after the two were stopped in the north portion of the county.
Deputies located items in their vehicle that field tested positive for methamphetamine, marijuana, and needles were found in the vehicle.
Both subjects were arrested and subsequently a warrant was obtained. Each was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), unlawful use of drug paraphernalia misdemeanor, and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance less than 35 grams of marijuana.
Both bonds were set at $15,000 and both subjects are still being held in the Douglas County Jail. Mathis was also issued a citation for driving while revoked.
Deputy James Gilbert, K-9 officer Brad Loveless and his dog Cesar arrested Gary Lynn (Burr) Miller, 45, of Ava, on Saturday evening April 23, after Miller was stopped for an equipment violation by Deputy Gilbert.
Subsequently, Deputy Loveless was called to assist Deputy Gilbert, when Cesar alerted on the outside of the vehicle Miller was driving. A further search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a box containing a baggy with white powder in it that field tested positive for methamphetamine.
A warrant was obtained for Miller’s arrest and bond was set at $15,000. Miller posted bond on April 25.
Sheriff Degase and K-9 Officer Loveless arrested Daniel Morton, 20, Brian L. Hicks, 43, and Amanda Winlock, 28, all of Mansfield.
Deputy Loveless made a traffic stop on the vehicle the trio was riding in for failure to display a license plate. Information obtained during the stop resulted in the vehicle being searched.
Subsequently, marijuana, active ingredients and items used to manufacture methamphetamine were discovered in the vehicle. All three subjects were arrested and a warrant for their arrest was obtained.
All three are charged with possession of methamphetamine precursors with the intent to manufacture.
All three were also charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana.
Bond for Morton and Hicks was set at $20,000 each; Winlock’s bond was set at $12,000. Winlock also had an outstanding warrant out of Douglas County for passing bad checks.
Sheriff Degase said a strong focus will continue to be placed on the ever-growing methamphetamine problem locally.
He also congratulates Deputy Loveless and Cesar as both recently completed certification through NAPWADA which is a nationally recognized organization that certifies canines and handlers.
Amanda Winlock
Brian Hicks
Daniel Morton
Gary Miller
Richard Mathis
Timothy Rehard
