HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One of two people arrested for the alleged distribution of methamphetamine was scheduled for a preliminary hearing, but didn’t show up in court and now faces a new charge.
Jeremiah Collins was back before a judge where he was told the state has now charged him with aggravated failure to appear. But, he argued that he was incarcerated when he was scheduled for that hearing.
In the original case, he’s charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute drugs and interference with law enforcement.
It was back to Jan. 17, 2015, when a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper stopped a vehicle for speeding, going 91 mph in a 70 mph zone. The trooper immediately saw a green glass bong with marijuana residue. During a search of that vehicle, they located a silver and black combination lock box and inside were used baggies with the alleged methamphetamine. Also located were new baggies, a working scale, two straws, a loaded syringe, $20 and two bags that allegedly contained approximately 7.5 grams of meth.
Collins allegedly gave the name of Jacob Ray Towne, but after running his fingerprints, they were able to identify him as Collins, who was wanted by the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation. He had served time for drug convictions in Sedgwick County and a burglary conviction out of Sumner County.
His new case will now be scheduled for a waiver-status docket.