(Spencer)– Authorities in Clay and Palo Alto counties now say Tuesday’s searches and arrests in Emmetsburg resulted in additional search warrants being executed in Spencer. They resulted in additional arrests and the discovery of what they say is the largest amount of crystal methamphetamine to be found yet in that city.
Spencer police say a search warrant executed at 713 East Eighth Street around 6:30 a.m. resulted in them finding a person there sleeping next to a video surveillance system that monitored the outside of the residence. That’s not all. They also found quantities of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The occupants of the residence, Terry Morfitt and Jill Miller, were arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and intent to deliver.
Spencer police then conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1100 block of Fifth Avenue East in Spencer that resulted in two more arrests and in more search warrants being obtained. The vehicle, driven by Alisha Tripp of Spencer, was pulled over around 2:30 p.m. based on probable cause there was meth in it. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in officers finding a half ounce of crystal methamphetamine. Tripp and a passenger, Rolando Maza of Spencer, were taken into custody and the vehicle was impounded.
Based on surveillance and other information, Spencer police obtained a search warrant for Tripp and Maza’s residence at 103 1/2 Eighth Street Southeast in Spencer. Officers found nearly a pound of crystal methamphetamine and items related to the selling of meth. Tripp and Maza were both charged with possession of a controlled substance…methamphetamine…with intent to deliver; and violation of a drug tax stamp.
Authorities say their investigation continues and even more arrests are possible.
