Suspected drug dealer denied bond reduction
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One of two people accused of drug-related charges in two cases was back in court Friday morning, this time asking for a bond reduction.
The attorney for 31-year-old Brian Butler asked Judge Tim Chambers for the reduction, saying that he wants to attend a drug treatment program. But, the state argued against it, citing the nature of the charges and the amount of drugs involved. Judge Chambers agreed with the state that the $200,000 bond is appropriate, noting the nature of the charges and the past criminal history of the defendant.
Butler and Jennifer Ramsey were arrested back on Sept. 10 after the Reno County Drug Unit served a search warrant at a home where the two lived and report that they found a black Nike bag that contained a large plastic bag of a crystal substance that field tested positive for meth, about 345 grams worth. Also in the bag was a loaded Smith & Wesson handgun and a small amount of suspected marijuana weighing about four grams. Also in the bedroom were nine methadone pills, a small bag of mushrooms, a glass pipe with burnt residue, new and used packaging materials, digital scales with residue and around $1,600 in cash. His home is within a thousand feet of Reno County Early Head Start. Both face drug distribution charges within a thousand feet of a school in this case.
The other case goes back to May 27 when they were arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute and no tax stamp. Ramsey was also charged with possession of marijuana and personal use drug paraphernalia. Butler faces additional charges of possession of stolen property, driving while suspended, an alleged habitual violator. The complaint indicates they may have been attempting to distribute at least 100 grams of methamphetamine. The arrest came during a traffic stop in the 100 block of North Plum in the middle of the afternoon.
Ramsey also has two other cases pending, one for making false information and the other for possession of methamphetamine.
The bond for Ramsey was set at $220,000. Her request for a reduction in an earlier hearing was denied by Judge Joe McCarville.
Two arrested for forgery and theft
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Two people arrested on Thursday after they went into a local bank and attempted to cash a stolen check made first appearances Friday morning.
Twenty-seven-year-old Stephanie Buckley and 45-year-old John Ford went into the Central Bank & Trust branch at 101 West A and attempted to forge the check on an account that was apparently closed. The check may have been found in an abandoned home, according to statements made in court.
Both face charges of forgery and theft by deception. Bond for Buckley, who also has charges of burglary and theft, is set at $6,000, according to the Reno County Jail log. The bond for Ford is $3,000.
Both will be back in court next Wednesday.
Sentence in stalking and violating PFA case handed down Friday
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A local man was sentenced on a number of stalking and violation of a protection from abuse order charges Friday morning by District Judge Tim Chambers.
Matthew Perez was sentenced to a total of a year and a month in prison and then granted probation for one year. All of the incidents occurred last summer.
The victim told the court that she was sorry it happened and hopes that Perez can get his life together. He also spoke and pretty much stated the same thing. He says he is hoping to get a job.
Perez is also on a one year probation for possession of marijuana and DUI.