KINGSTON — Two more suspects have been arrested in connection with a multi-agency drug investigation in Kingston.
Puma Miller, 32, was arrested Aug. 20 during a traffic stop in Mason County. Kelly Mitchell, 27, was arrested Aug. 22 in Pierce County. They are awaiting trial, said Sgt. James Mjor of the West Sound Narcotics Enforcement Team, or WestNET.
Their arrests came four months after WestNET officers served warrants at three houses in Kingston April 20, arresting six people suspected of dealing marijuana and prescription drugs: Samantha Nicole Fulwiler, 18; JonPaul Clay Gregoire, 26; Michael James Martin, 43; Aaron Jaymes Perez, 25; Kori L. Planck, 21; and David M. Shlifer, 33.
Planck received a deferred sentence, Mjor said. All others received jail time, fines ranging from $1,300 to $2,300, and probation, Mjor said. By Friday, only Gregoire remained in jail; he was also convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to court records available on the Washington Courts website.
The WestNET investigation was spurred by concerns of Kingston residents about the availability of drugs to minors and young adults. WestNET detectives investigated the sale of marijuana and oxycodone, a powerful narcotic pain medication, to a number of North Kitsap drug users and dealers, according to a press release issued in April by the Sheriff’s Office. “Criminal intelligence information determined that these suspects also were known to be a major source of drug supply for local teenagers,” the release stated.
Detectives conducted a number of controlled purchases of narcotics from several suspects, leading to the issuance of search warrants that were served in the 17000 block of Parcells Road NE, 26000 block of Lindvog Road NE, and the 27000 block of NE State Highway 104.
At the time of the initial arrests, Mjor said the arrests could have a big impact. Four months later, he was cautiously optimistic.
“I think only time will tell,” he said. “Time’s going to tell if jail time, fines and treatment made an impact on their lives.”
The West Sound Narcotics Enforcement Team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force funded by the U.S. Department of Justice. The task force is comprised of officers from:
— Bainbridge Island Police Department
— Bremerton Police Department
— Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office
— Mason County Sheriff’s Office
— Naval Criminal Investigative Service
— Pierce County Sheriff’s Department
— Shelton Police Department
— Port Orchard Police Department
— Poulsbo Police Department
— Washington State Patrol
Persons with information about illegal narcotics-related activity can call WestNET at (360) 337-7064. All callers can remain anonymous.
Residents of North Kitsap, Bainbridge Island, Olalla and Mason County can call toll free, (800) 585-TIPS (8477).
The State of Washington has a 24-hour Marijuana Hotline number for information about illegal marijuana growing operations. All calls are confidential: (800) 388-GROW (4769).
