GREAT BEND – Law enforcement authorities in Barton County have made additional drug arrests involving drug deals conducted from the county jail.
The Sheriff’s reported over the course of the last two weeks they had received information that an inmate in the Barton County jail was orchestrating drug deals outside the facility; from the inmate pay phone system.
All calls from inmates at the County jail are recorded and a warning is given to both parties about the recording of the call.
Detective David Paden continued to monitor the calls and develop information. The Kansas Bureau of investigation was asked to assist, as well as the Ellinwood Police Department and the Great Bend Police Department.
Local police departments were contacted due to the fact the Sheriff believed drug deliveries would take place in their respective communities.
The United States Postal Service was also contacted and assisted in the investigation.
Search warrants were executed at 515 Bismarck apartment number 11, Ellinwood, 2300 Franklin St., Great Bend, and 714 Stone Street in Great Bend.
Authorities reported a total, 1 ½ pounds of methamphetamine was seized at the three locations. The drugs have an estimated street value in excess of $50,000.
Several arrests were made in conjunction with the search warrant.
Ashley Mendivil, 26, Great Bend, was arrested for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Her bond is set at $500,000 and she remains in the Barton County Jail.
Joshua Hoffner, 32, Great Bend. Hoffner is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was arrested on a parole violation. The bond on the possession with intent to distribute is $500,000. Hoffner remains in jail as of this time.
Reynaldo Verduzco, who is already a resident of the County Jail was arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamin, and use of a communication device in the furtherance of a felony. He was booked on the new charges and an additional $500,000 bond has been applied to his previous bonds.
This investigation will continue; further arrests are expected in the near future according to the sheriff’s office.