BEDFORD — A routine warrant check at a local gas station led to a significant drug bust Tuesday night, resulting in the seizure of over 30 grams of methamphetamine and suspected fentanyl.
Jacob G. Deckard, 31, of Heltonville, was arrested by Bedford Police on multiple felony charges, including dealing methamphetamine and narcotics, after officers discovered drugs in his vehicle and a nearby motel room.
The incident began at approximately 8:41 p.m. on March 10th, when Officer J. Landon Jones observed Deckard walking away from a silver Pontiac Vibe at the Circle K on 16th Street. Recognizing Deckard from previous interactions, Officer Jones ran a background check and discovered an active parole warrant stemming from a previous methamphetamine possession charge.
Officers detained Deckard as he exited the convenience store. While a search of Deckard’s person yielded no contraband, his “nervous behavior” and refusal to consent to a vehicle search prompted a K-9 sweep.
Lawrence County Deputy Kenton Carter and his K-9 partner, Boon, arrived on the scene to assist. K-9 Boon provided a positive alert for narcotics on the rear driver’s side door of the vehicle.
During a subsequent search of the Pontiac, officers reported finding 18 grams of crystal meth and a motel key for Room 108 at the Rosemount Motel.
The investigation shifted to the Rosemount Motel on M Street, where officers located a female who identified herself as the mother of one of Deckard’s children.
The woman reportedly told police that Deckard had given her “strict instructions” to watch over a safe in the room and to keep everyone out of the bathroom. After obtaining the woman’s consent to search the bathroom, Officer Jones located a plastic container and a glass smoking pipe hidden under the trash.
A later search of the room, authorized by a warrant signed by Judge Robert Cline, uncovered several additional items, including 16 grams of additional methamphetamine (bringing the total to approximately 34 grams, two grams of a powder that field-tested positive for fentanyl, digital scales, plastic packaging baggies, a razor blade with residue, and marijuana.
Deckard was transported to the Lawrence County Jail, where he is being held on the following preliminary charges of dealing meth, dealing a narcotic drug, possession of meth over 28 grams, possession of a narcotic drug, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and wanted on a parole violation warrant
The female was released from custody following the search of the motel room.
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.
