The investigation led to a search of a room rented by the two suspects at a local motel. Officers said it is common for distributors of controlled dangerous substances to rent and maintain motel rooms for long periods of time because they have the ability to abandon or quickly move their drug product to a new location when they fear their activities are being monitored by law enforcement.
During a search of the motel room, officers found a large bag containing several packages of a green leafy substance appearing to be marijuana, along with packing materials and scales commonly associated with the distribution of an illegal substance. Officers also found a double-barrel shotgun pistol, a quantity of a white powder substance appearing to be methamphetamine, and an undisclosed amount of money.
Aaron Michael Leaf and Elizabeth Amanda Tehee, both of Sallisaw, were arrested and booked in the Sallisaw City Jail with each of their bonds set at $23,000.
Leaf, 25, and Tehee, 19, face charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in commission of a felony, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Philpot said the success of the investigation is a direct result of the combined efforts and cooperation between the Sallisaw Police Department and the sheriff's office.
