By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Nine people were arrested in five drug busts this past week.

Two men and two women, one from Peabody, were arrested on suspicion of drug charges after deputy Joel Womochil pulled their car over on US-50 at 9:35 p.m. Sunday near Peabody for having only one headlight.

Womochil found an assortment of illegal drugs, including undisclosed quantities of marijuana and methamphetamine, a bottle of prescription pills with the wrong name on it, and drug paraphernalia.

Michelle L. Stevens, 35, Peabody, was arrested on suspicion of distribution of a depressant, and possession of drug paraphernalia, marijuana, an unknown controlled substance, and an unlawful prescription drug. She was released 15 hours later on $5,000 surety bond.

Bernadette M. Paris, 46, Moundridge, was arrested on suspicion of possession of opiates, drug paraphernalia, unlawful prescription drugs, and a hallucinogenic drug. She was held in lieu of $5,000 surety bond.

David L. Bean, 51, Newton, was arrested on suspicion of distribution of a depressant, possession of drug paraphernalia, stimulants, and an unlawful prescription drug, and no drug tax stamp for marijuana. He was released 15 hours later on $10,000 surety bond.

Jackie W. McHolland, 50, Moundridge, was arrested on suspicion of possession of opiates, stimulants, drug paraphernalia, and an unlawful prescription drug; failure to display evidence of liability insurance; and interference with law enforcement by concealing, altering, or destroying evidence. He was released Tuesday on $7,500 surety bond.

Kevin Geren

Kevin W. Geren, 60, Marion, was pulled over July 11 by Marion officer Aaron Slater in the 100 block of S. Lincoln for a brake light out. He was arrested on suspicion of possession of opiates and drug paraphernalia and failure to display proof of vehicle liability insurance. Geren was released eight hours later on $10,000 surety bond.

Dimitri Dixon

Dimitri L. Dixon, 55, Great Bend, formerly of Marion, was arrested July 9 by Slater on suspicion of driving under the influence, transporting an open container of alcohol, and driving while his license was canceled, suspended, or revoked; possession of marijuana and a firearm designed for concealed carry while under the influence of alcohol; and speeding. According to Police Chief Clinton Jeffrey, Slater pulled Dixon over for speeding on US-56 and smelled alcohol in the car.

Dixon was released 12 hours later on $2,500 surety bond.

Ardell Jones

Ardell P. Jones, 48, Hillsboro, was pulled over for speeding July 7 by Womochil.

After a search of the car, Jones was arrested on suspicion of possession of opiates and drug paraphernalia. He was released two hours later on an unspecified bond.

He previously was jailed June 9 on drug charges; May 5 to 9 for failure to appear in court; Feb. 27 on drug charges, operating a vehicle without a valid license, and possession of a weapon by a felon; April 2 to 5, 2021, on unspecified charges; March 14 to 22, 2021, on unspecified charges; May 18, 2018 on suspicion of driving while his license was canceled, suspended or revoked; and May 2 to 3, 2018, on drug charges.

Jones has two active criminal cases against him. In a case filed June 14, he is charged with possession of methamphetamine and interference with law enforcement; and in a case filed April 5, he is charged with distribution of heroin and methamphetamine, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana.

Brandy Laydon and Amber Barela

Early July 5, Womochil arrested two New Mexico women on drug charges after they failed to signal for a lane change at US-50 and Mustang Rd.

Brandy M. Laydon, 37, Albuquerque, New Mexico, was arrested on suspicion of possession of opiates, a hallucinogenic drug, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. She is held in lieu of $5,000 surety bond.

Amber L. Barela, 39, Albuquerque, New Mexico, was arrested on suspicion of possession of opiates, marijuana, a cannabinoid, and drug paraphernalia. She is held in lieu of $5,000 surety bond.