SALYERSVILLE – A Johnson County man and Magoffin woman were arrested on Tuesday night at the local library and charged with trafficking meth.
On March 11, according to the arrest citation, James Orem, 45, of Paintsville, was observed by Magoffin County Sheriff Department Deputy W. Lafferty at the Magoffin County Public Library with expired tags. After consent to search the car was given, police found a Crown Royal bag was located in the trunk of the car that contained several syringes and approximately 15 grams of methamphetamine and individual baggies. A set of scales was located under the front passenger seat inside of a small pouch, along with more syringes, and a bag of marijuana along with two straws. Police also found two loaded syringes inside of a red Skittles container, according to the citation.
Orem was arrested and charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense (greater than or equal to two grams methamphetamine); buying or possessing drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana.
The front seat passenger, identified as Stephanie Dale Minix, 34, of Patchell Rd., in Salyersville, was also arrested after police reportedly saw her trying to get rid of the contents inside of a loaded syringe by pushing the liquid inside of the cap. She was also charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense (greater than or equal to two grams methamphetamine; buying or possessing drug paraphernalia possession of marijuana; and tampering with physical evidence.
Both Orem and Minix were taken to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, where they remain at press time on $10,000 bonds. Their arraignments were scheduled for March 12, though the results of those hearings are unknown at press time.
Editor’s Note: The indictment or charge of a person by a grand jury or otherwise is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
