Weeks of investigation lead to drug, theft arrests
Staff writer
Weeks of investigation into complaints by neighbors and passers-by culminated in the arrest at 3:20 p.m. Friday of two frequently jailed suspects on drug and theft charges.
“It was a win for the community,” police chief Clinton Jeffrey said.
A total of 2.4 grams of methamphetamine, 7.4 grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia were recovered after police obtained a warrant to search a residence in the 500 block of N. Cedar St.
“We have been investigating it for several weeks, putting together a case,” Jeffrey said.
Additional searching found an impact driver, two batteries, and a tool bag that had been reported stolen in a burglary March 11 in the 100 block of S. 2nd St., Jeffrey said.
As a result of the search, Matthew L. Bice, 37, Marion, was arrested on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it, possessing drug paraphernalia, and possessing stolen property.
Patricia L. Miller, 40, Marion, was arrested on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Bice is being held in Marion County Jail in lieu of $10,000 surety bond.
He previously was jailed Jan. 5 and 6 on suspicion of possessing drugs and paraphernalia and of driving without a valid license. He was released on $2,500 surety bond after that arrest.
He also was jailed June 28 through Aug. 5 on suspicion of possessing drug paraphernalia and stolen property, illegally carrying a concealed firearm, and interfering with a law enforcement officer. He was released after that jailing on a $2,500 personal recognizance bond.
Miller posted a $10,000 surety bond and was released Saturday night.
She previously was jailed April 29 and 30 on suspicion of possessing drugs and paraphernalia and of driving with an open container of alcohol but without a valid license. She posted a $5,000 surety bond after that arrest.
She also was jailed March 10 through April 21 and Dec. 8 and 9 on various warrants. At that time, her address was listed as Topeka.
According to federal data, 2.4 grams (0.85 of an ounce) of marijuana has a street value ranging from $11.70 to $50.45, while 7.4 grams (0.26 of an ounce) of meth, the cost of which varies widely, has a street value ranging from $22.20 to $3,700.
A typical meth addict uses about 1.75 grams per day, so the meth seized might be considered a bit more than a four-day supply.