HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Two of three people arrested Tuesday after a search warrant was served on a Hutchinson home were before a judge Thursday morning on drug-related charges.
Forty-year-old Benjamin Cullum of Langdon faces possible charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug proceeds and possession of drug paraphernalia. He apparently was arrested for a parole violation as well. He has a substantial criminal history.
Twenty-four-year-old Maira Meza of Newton was jailed for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. She allegedly had a pipe with residue in her purse. She’s also being held for a warrant out of Newton.
A third person arrested was 30-year-old Nicole Hays. She faces charges including distribution of marijuana, possession of prescription drugs, no tax stamp, possession of a firearm by a known felon and interference with law enforcement. She was able to post bond and should make a first appearance next week.
When searching the home in the 400 block of North Plum, the Reno County Drug Unit allegedly found a black zip-up nylon case with prescription pills and 50 grams of marijuana. That was found in Hays’ bedroom.
They also found a scale, safe, vacuum sealer, two empty Ziploc bags and owe sheets. In the safe was $120 in control buy money, $10 more was allegedly found in Hays’ wallet and $180 in twenties were in Cullum’s pocket. He also allegedly had $1,903 in another pocket, which he alleges he won at a casino. However, some of the bills had serial numbers that match money from the control buys made by the drug unit.
They also allegedly found a bag with residue and a scale in Cullum’s truck.
In the garage of the home was a Ruger LCP 380 gun in a metal case, a baggie of methamphetamine and a scale. More marijuana and smoking pipes with residue were also found.
Meza’s bond was set at a mere $250, while Cullum’s is set at $1,000. It’s so low because he has a hold from the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation. Both will be back in court next week.
Hays has another case from April where she’s charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of Hydrocodone and possession of drug paraphernalia, all with intent to distribute. She’s also charged with possession of marijuana and personal use drug paraphernalia. She recently waived her preliminary hearing in that case.