Arispe man to face felony drug charge in Ringgold Co.

Vernon T. Nellis, 46, of Arispe, was taken into custody at approximately 8 p.m. March 14 north of Ellston on County Highway J20. Nellis was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance - methamphetamine, third or subsequent offense; possession of burglar tools; two counts of unlawful possession of prescription drugs and possession of a controlled substance - cannabidiol, first offense.

According to a Ringgold County report, deputies stopped a 2001 Dodge Dakota for a broken taillight and no front or back license plates. Contact was made with the driver, identified as Nellis and a female passenger, who were identified from previous encounters.

Nellis and the female both admitted to not having insurance on the truck and claimed they had just purchased it two weeks prior. The ignition was punched out of the truck but after spending some time searching, Nellis was able to provide a title to the truck.

Ringgold County K9 Scoty and his handler arrived at the stop and conducted a free air sniff of the exterior of the truck. Scoty gave a positive alert for the presence of the odor of narcotics.

A probable cause search of the truck was conducted. The search resulted in deputies finding two glass methamphetamine pipes containing residue, a small baggie with a crystal-like residue, a THC vape pen and two sets of bolt cutters. Nellis took ownership of the narcotics and paraphernalia but said the bolt cutters were not used for criminal activity.

While being transported to the Ringgold County Jail, Nellis was observed making furtive movements and appeared to be concealing something. He told deputies his handcuffs were too tight, but when checked, the handcuffs were found to fit three fingers spacing between his wrist and handcuff.

Once Nellis arrived at the sheriff’s office, he was asked to give deputies anything he may have on his person or if found to be in possession of any items once in the jail, he would be charged with a felony. Nellis gave deputies 19 pills he identified as Adderall and Hydrocodone, which he did not have valid prescriptions. After Nellis had showered and walked to the holding cell, a small baggie containing methamphetamine was found on the booking room floor.

Nellis is being held in the Ringgold County Jail on $10,000 cash only bond.