Speeding leads to 3 drug arrests
Staff writer
Stopping a speeding driver early Monday on US-56 north of Marion ended in the arrest of three Emporia residents on suspicion of methamphetamine and other charges.
Deputy Peyton Heidebrecht pulled over Kaitlynne V. Baker, 26, Emporia, for speeding. While talking to her, he noticed items in the car that appeared to be drug paraphernalia, Undersheriff Larry Starkey said.
Heidebrecht called for Marion police to bring a drug dog to the scene.
The dog “hit” on what later tested positive as methamphetamine. About a gram of methamphetamine was found in the car, Starkey said. A gram is enough for about five doses of the stimulant.
Baker was booked into jail on suspicion of possession of an unknown controlled substance, use or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia, not having a drug tax stamp, and speeding.
Randy L. Thompson, 62, Emporia was booked into jail on suspicion of possession of an unknown controlled substance, use or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia, and not having a drug tax stamp.
Douglas L. Hopper, 59, Emporia, was booked into jail on suspicion of possession of an unknown controlled substance, use or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia, and not having a drug tax stamp.
Bond is set at $5,000 for each of the three.
Hopper was charged April 12, 2024, in Lyon County with possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. That case is pending.
He was charged Nov. 25, 2003, in Lyon County with driving while his license was suspended; possession of opiates, and ephedrine and anhydrous ammonia which can be used to make methamphetamine; paraphernalia to grow and distribute marijuana; attempted manufacture of methamphetamine; conspiracy to make methamphetamine; and possession of drug paraphernalia. He pleaded no contest April 9, 2004, to possession of paraphernalia to grow and distribute marijuana and conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.
He spent 26 months in prison.