Sheriff’s deputies, investigators nab 3 in drug busts

Sequoyah County Sheriff Larry Lane Jr. said his deputies and investigators have made three drugs arrests over the last few weeks.

Lane said on Sept. 25 that Deputy Galen Irvin initiated a traffic stop on Hwy. 64 near Roland for multiple traffic violations. When Irvin ran the driver’s information, he was identified as Jody Hull, with a possible warrant out of LeFlore county.

“While waiting on the warrant confirmation, Deputy Irvin had obtained reasonable suspicion to ask the driver for consent to search the vehicle, which was denied,” Lane said. Irvin then reportedly called for assistance from one of the Sheriff’s K-9 units and K-9 Deputy Steven Edwards came to the location.

“Upon running his dog, Deputy Edwards received a positive alert for the presence of illegal narcotics,” Lane said.

While searching the car, Irvin reportedly located a duffle bag containing a large amount of white-crystalline substance that field-tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine, as well as a glass smoking device and loaded firearm. Lane said the methamphetamine was found to weigh around 126 grams, and after running the serial numbers on the firearm, it was found to be stolen from Texas.

Lane said Irvin was assisted on the traffic stop by Deputy Hunter Hutchinson.

Hull was transported and booked in on charges of trafficking methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, knowingly concealing stolen property, possession of a loaded firearm in commission of a felony, as well as the outstanding warrant.

In a separate incident on Oct. 16, Lane said investigators and deputies teamed up to execute a narcotics search warrant that was obtained by Irvin, after a lengthy investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine in the Sallisaw area.

“After securing the residence, officers began their search and located plastic baggies containing white crystalline substances that field-tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine, baggies containing multiple pills, as well as digital scales, multiple clear plastic baggies and used syringes,” Lane said.

Arrested from the residence were Daniel Massey and Kayla Bohannan.

“They were both charged with possession of controlled dangerous substance-meth with intent to distribute, and possession of Schedule III narcotics (Suboxone) without a prescription,” Lane said.

“Deputy Irvin has been on a roll lately,” Lane said. “He’s done a great job and has made numerous narcotics related arrests.”

Lane said Irvin is also in the process of moving from patrol Deputy and Field training officer to a full-time investigator position with the Sheriff’s Office.

Irvin was assisted by investigators Steven Jenkins, B.R. Rutherford and Dwayne Frizzell.