Authorities in Dickinson County have arrested five people on multiple drug charges after an extensive investigation into the distribution of marijuana to local residents, including high school students.
The investigation was conducted by agents with the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department Drug Enforcment and officers with the Abilene Police Department.
As part of the investigation, a controlled purchase of marijuana was conducted on January 25th at a residence at 812 NW 3rd Street in Abilene.
On January 26th, agents with the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department Drug Enforcment, Dickinson County Sheriff’s deputies, and Abilene Police officers executed a search warrant at the same Abilene residence the marijuana purchase was conducted.
The results of the investigation and search warrant lead to the arrest of the five people:
Tristen Jacob Howard, 20, of Abilene, was arrested for Posession of Marijuana with intent to distribute (Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Felony), Acquiring Drug Proceeds (Felony), Possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (Felony), Possession of Marijuana (Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor), Failure to obtain a Kansas Drug Tax Stamp (Felony), Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana (Felony), Distribution of Marijuana (Felony), Acquiring Drug Proceeds (Felony), and Unlawful use of a Telecommunication device to arrange a drug sale.
Matthew John Dinkel, 25, of Abilene, was arrested for Posession of Marijuana with intent to distribute (Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Felony), Acquiring Drug Proceeds (Felony), Unlawful use of a Telecommunication device to arrange a drug sale, Possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (Felony), Possession of Marijuana (Felony), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor).
Devon Michael Hallock, 21, of Abilene, was arrested for Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana (Felony), Distribution of Marijuana (Felony), Acquiring Drug Proceeds (Felony), Unlawful use of a Telecommunication device, and 2 counts of Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer. The assault charge stems from an altercation in the Dickinson County Jail after Hallock’s arrest.
Michael Wayne Wright, 31, of Abilene, was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine (Felony), Possession of Marijuana (Misdemeanor), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor).
Zachary Taylor Swarts, 18, of Abilene, was arrested for Conspiracy to Possession of Marijuana (Felony).
During the search of the residence, law enforcement officers seized over 2 ounces of marijuana that was ready for sale and over 50 pieces of evidence related to the distribution of marijuana. During the course of the investigation, it was learned that the individuals arrested were selling marijuana to people between the ages of 14 to 21.
As a result of this investigation, law enforcement officers in Great Bend were able to execute a search warrant there. During the execution of this warrant, officers seized several pounds of marijuana and items of drug paraphernalia, and are expecting to make several arrests of individuals suspected of dealing marijuana to local residents.
According to the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation into this case is ongoing and further arrests are possible.