MITCHELL — Two Mitchell men were arrested after police say a search warrant at a residence led to the discovery of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Lawrence County Police Department Officer Kenton Carter, Jason Michael Wilcoxen, 33, and Gregory Scott King, 42, were arrested on preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia.
Carter reported officers went to a residence in the 1100 block of Orchard Street in Mitchell on July 8 to serve an arrest warrant for another individual wanted on a felony warrant.
Officers assisting Carter included Lawrence County Police Department Captain A. Pope, Officer A. Hogan, Officer G. Jacobs and Officer Emery.
According to the affidavit, officers made contact with King at the residence and detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside the home. Carter reported he also detected the odor as he approached the residence.
Police located the wanted individual and took him into custody. Due to the odor of marijuana and the presence of additional people inside the home, officers detained occupants while seeking a search warrant, according to the affidavit.
The affidavit states Wilcoxen was observed inside the residence and initially refused commands to exit. Officers later conducted a protective sweep of the home due to concerns about additional occupants and the possible destruction of evidence.
A search warrant was later approved, and officers searched the residence.
According to the affidavit, officers found suspected methamphetamine in a coffee table drawer in the living room near where Wilcoxen had been sitting. Police also reported finding a glass smoking device commonly used to ingest methamphetamine underneath the couch where Wilcoxen had been sitting.
The affidavit states officers were told Wilcoxen had been sleeping on the couch and kept personal belongings, including keys and a wallet, in the coffee table drawers.
During a search of a bedroom identified as belonging to King, officers reported locating suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The affidavit states officers found a glass plate containing a crystal-like substance, a cut straw and additional suspected methamphetamine inside a dresser identified by King as his.
Police reported field tests indicated the substances were positive for methamphetamine. Officers also located multiple smoking devices and other items associated with drug use, according to the affidavit.
King was arrested based on the items found in the bedroom, while Wilcoxen was arrested based on evidence found in the living room area, according to police.
All evidence was collected and submitted to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department for processing.
