Both defendants in a drug case waived their preliminary hearing Thursday to give them time to consider a plea offer by the state.
24-year-old Rayland Brown of Hutchinson and 21-year-old Dwayne Lewis of Wichita are charged with possession of crack cocaine and marijuana, both with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to package. Lewis was also arrested for driving while suspended, allegedly an habitual violator.
But, the state indicated that they would amend the complaint against the two upping the severity level on the possession of cocaine charge, changing the marijuana charge to having a form of synthetic marijuana with intent to distribute and adding two new charges of being in possession of two different prescription type drugs. But, if the defendants decide to plead out, the state won’t amend the complaint, leaving it as is. They have until arraignment in their cases to make a decision. Brown’s arraignment will be on February 3, but Lewis will be arraigned on January 31.
The case centers on a Hutchinson Police Officer making a traffic stop in the 500 block of East 1st. That allegedly led to the discovery of crack cocaine and marijuana, both allegedly in a distribution amount.
Brown has another case pending where he’s charged with the sale of cocaine going back to February 27. He also waived the hearing in that case.
Both men are under supervision here in Reno County for previous drug cases and face probation violation hearings in those cases.
Brown has convictions for sale of drugs, being in possession of a precursor for the manufacture of meth, possession of opiates and no drug tax stamp. Lewis has previous convictions for the sale of drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and no tax stamp.