Dozen people arrested in drug investigation

By Beverly Bryant/News Director

A monthlong investigation concluded Tuesday morning with the arrests of a dozen people at two locations on drug charges, Kay County Sheriff-elect Steve Kelley said.

Two search warrants were conducted at the same time about 6 a.m. Tuesday, he

said. The operation was carried out with the combined efforts of the Ponca City Police Department Tactical Team, the District 8 District Attorney’s Office task force, and deputies from the Kay County Sheriff’s Department, Kelley said.

Ten people were arrested from an apartment building near Oak Street and Cleveland Avenue, Kelley said.

Seven different apartments were searched in the building. Officers confiscated several grams of methamphetamine; paraphernalia used for the packaging and selling of drugs; pills; and guns,
including a shotgun and a pistol.

Kelley said two additional arrests will be made at a later date from that location.

At the same time, another search warrant was executed at 117 South Birch Street in Ponca City.

From that address, two people were arrested. During the search there, several juveniles were found at the house and were turned over to family members, Kelley said.

He said officers found another pistol, methamphetamine, marijuana and paraphernalia us
ed to package and sell drugs.

“Various charges will range from possession with intent to sell dangerous drugs; possession of methamphetamine; possession of marijuana; possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony; possession of a
firearm after a former conviction; and maintaining a dwelling where drugs are sold,” Kelley said.

Those arrested at the Cleveland Avenue apartments include:

• Rachelle Lee Martin,  29;
• Nickola Jordan Rhodd Sr., 37;
• Staci Dawn Vannatta, 24;
• Monica Josefina Ochoa, 29;
• Jeffery Arthur Lieb, 35;
• Sonja Dwan Lieb, 39;
• Chad Ryan Caughlin, 35;
• Leonard Anthony Leclair, 25;
• Stacy Kaylynn Muegge, 26;
• and Andrea Bolin, age not given.

Arrested at 117 South Birch Street were:

• Roxanne Nichole Hess,  31,
• and Valarie Anne Juarez, 25.

Kelley said two other arrest warrants will be filed at a later date.