MOUNTAIN HOME — Thirteen people have been arrested by Elmore County Sheriff’s Office investigators in what law enforcement authorities are calling “a major methamphetamine and heroin drug trafficking case.”
The investigation, which lasted over a month, began on March 12
When Sheriff’s Office detectives and Mountain Home Police officers made several street-level drug arrests.
Misty Rice of Mountain Home was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
On that same day, Sheriff’s detectives were conducting surveillance at a residence on 1642 E. 4th North in Mountain Home. “This residence was at the center of this investigation,” said Elmore County Sheriff Mike Hollinshead in a Facebook posting. “The surveillance team observed a vehicle at the residence which is frequented by known drug-users. Surveillance teams were able to observe several individuals who were loading unidentified packages from this residence into a vehicle. The vehicle was later stopped for a traffic infraction and a narcotics dog alerted to the presence of possible drugs in the vehicle,” he added.
A search of the vehicle revealed numerous items associated with narcotics use, possession of a controlled substance and drug trafficking, the posting said.
Dustin Cannon of Garden City was arrested for two counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and introduction of a controlled substance into a correctional facility. He was later also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.
Stefanie Foote of Boise was arrested on three counts of possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.
Jesse Peirsol of Meridian was arrested on a fugitive warrant.
Then, in the early evening hours of that day, Sheriff’s detectives, the Elmore County Special Response Team and members of the MHPD SWAT Team executed a search warrant at the residence at 1642 East 4th North.
“Detectives located black tar heroin, methamphetamine, firearms and paraphernalia,” Hollinshead said.
Raymond Jones of Modesto, California -- who police say recently relocated to Mountain Home -- was arrested on charges of drug trafficking, possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
“A female (identified as) Haley Graves, who is also a resident of California and is believed to have traveled here with Jones, was arrested and charged with drug trafficking in methamphetamine,” the Sheriff said.
“From this investigation, Raymond Jones is believed to have been the ringleader and major drug dealer of methamphetamine and heroin in Elmore and surrounding counties,” Hollinshead added.
On March 19, Elmore County Sheriff’s Office detectives continued their investigation into the drug trafficking ring.
Armed with another search warrant, detectives searched a home at 1035 East 9th South in Mountain Home. “That search warrant yielded black tar heroin and drug paraphernalia. There is strong evidence connecting the two residences,” Hollinshead stated.
Mountain Home resident Brieanna Willis was arrested and charged with conspiracy possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance, and felony injury to a child. The child was turned over to the custody of family members.
On March 21, officers from the Mountain Home Police Department observed two people who entered the home which had previously been searched at 935 East 9th South.
“Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and a narcotics dog alerted to the presence of drugs,” Hollingshead said.
Ashley Rowland of Boise was arrested on charges of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
Kevin Houston II from California being arrested on two charges of drug trafficking in methamphetamine and heroin, and introduction of a controlled substance into a correctional facility.
On March 22, the Elmore County Special Response Team, MHPD SWAT members, and Elmore County detectives executed a search warrant at a home at 2395 American Legion Boulevard.
“That search yielded evidence of drug trafficking, drug paraphernalia and money believed to have been exchanged for methamphetamine,” Hollinshead pointed out.
George Guajardo was arrested on charges of delivery of a controlled substance.
Carlos Maldonado was arrested on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Other arrests have included Christopher Frampton of Mountain Home on charges of conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance -- and Bryan Riggs of Mountain Home on two counts of conspiracy to possess a controlled substance and possession of heroin.
“This has been a very long and ongoing investigation; the Sheriff’s Office is continuing to interview additional subjects and is seeking more suspects,” the Sheriff said. “This investigation has yielded an undisclosed amount of money, firearms and vehicles.”
“Tips from the public in reporting suspicious behavior have also played a vital role in this investigation,” he said.
The investigation is ongoing. No further details were released.
