BEDFORD— What began as a routine parking complaint at a local business ended in a major drug bust and the arrest of a wanted man late Monday night.
Jeremy Dewayne Vestal, 37, described as a transient staying in Bedford, was taken into custody on February 17, 2026. He faces multiple felony charges, including dealing in a significant quantity of methamphetamine.
The investigation began at approximately 8:12 p.m. on February 16, when Bedford Police Captain Dakoda Emmons responded to a complaint at Wayne Fugate State Farm. The property owner reported a white van parked illegally on the premises and requested its removal.
Officers traced the vehicle to a nearby Mark III Motel occupant. Motel staff identified the renter of Room 118 as Jeremy Vestal. Upon checking his records, Captain Emmons discovered that Vestal was wanted on active warrants out of Monroe County.
When officers attempted to make contact at the motel room, no one answered, even though the lights were visible inside. Captain Emmons secured a search warrant for the room from Lawrence County Judge Cline.
At 9:40 p.m., police entered the room using a key provided by staff. Inside, they located Vestal and placed him in handcuffs. According to the probable cause affidavit, officers immediately observed drug paraphernalia, unidentified pills, and a magnetic lockbox, commonly used to conceal narcotics, in plain view.
A second search warrant specifically for drugs and paraphernalia was granted and served at 10:24 p.m. During the search, Sgt. Crulo discovered a large, clear plastic bag hidden in the ceiling above a vent. The bag contained six individual zip-top bags of a crystal-like substance.
Investigators noted the bag was wet, suggesting an unsuccessful attempt to destroy the evidence in a toilet. The substance field-tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed a combined 31 grams, a threshold that elevates the severity of the dealing charge.
In addition to the methamphetamine, police seized three syringes, multiple glass smoking devices, $220 in cash, a Motorola cell phone, a Kalio camera, and various unidentified pills and a THC atomizer.
Vestal was transported to the Lawrence County Jail and is currently being held on the following preliminary charges: dealing meth over 28 grams, possession of meth, unlawful possession of a syringe, obstruction of justice, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Court records indicate that Vestal was already out on bond for separate criminal charges at the time of this arrest.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
