(Graettinger)– A tip of suspected illegal drug activity at a residence in Graettinger resulted in the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office conducting surveillance on a residence at 307 North Cedar.
Authorities say a deputy observed a vehicle leaving that address around 10:00 p.m. Wednesday. The deputy pulled over the vehicle a short time later. The driver, 65-year-old Gary Smith of Graettinger, was arrested for driving while barred.
While making the arrest, the deputy discovered 16 grams of what’s suspected to be crystal methamphetamine, or “ice” and 2.5 grams of what’s suspected to be marijuana, along with 535-dollars in cash that was seized.
A 1996 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer Smith was driving was also seized. Sheriff Dennis Goeders says forefeiture proceedings on the seized items will be initiated.
Smith was then booked into jail on charges of possession with intent to deliver within a thousand feet of the Graettinger school…a class “B” felony; violation of a drug tax stamp…a class “D” felony; second and subsequent offense possession of a controlled substance…marijuana…an aggravated misdemeanor; and possession of drug paraphernalia…a simple misdemeanor.
Authorities then obtained and executed a search warrant on the residence at 3:15 this (Thursday) morning. Deputies found what’s alleged to be drug paraphernalia and prescription pills.
An occupant of the residence who was there at the time, 46-year-old Debbie Helmich, was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. She was booked into the Palo Alto county jail.
Authorities say charges are pending against both Helmich and Smith for the prescription pills.
The Sheriff’s Office says it’s investigation is continuing.
The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by the Palo Alto County Attorney’s Office, Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Reserves, the Sheriff’s office’s new K-9, Rakker and handler Deputy Eric Ring.
