HINTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Summers County law enforcement arrested three individuals Wednesday following separate drug-related investigations, officials reported.
At approximately 8 a.m. on November 5, Sheriff J.L. Faris conducted a traffic stop on Big Creek Road involving a vehicle occupied by two people.
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During the stop, Sheriff Faris determined that further investigation was necessary, and Deputy J.L. Farmer assisted on the scene.
Authorities discovered a significant quantity of methamphetamine in the vehicle, leading to the arrest of Billie Jo Pettry, 42, of Hinton, and Joshua Akers, 38, of Pearisburg, Virginia.
Both were charged with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, arraigned in Summers County Magistrate Court, and transported to the Southern Regional Jail.
Later that same day, Sheriff Faris received additional information prompting a separate drug investigation.
A search warrant was obtained for a residence on Summers Street in Hinton, executed with coordination from Sheriff Faris, Chief Deputy T.S. Adkins, Deputies J.L. Farmer, T.A. Withrow, and L.A. Harvey, along with assistance from Hinton Police Chief J. Crawford and Patrolman K. Higginbotham.
During the search, authorities recovered methamphetamine and fentanyl, along with items indicating drug distribution.
Several firearms were also seized. Jeffrey Gill, 45, of Hinton, was taken into custody and transported to the Summers County Appalachian Regional Hospital for a medical evaluation. Gill is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
The Summers County Sheriff’s Department said the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are expected.
