From the Office of the Sheriff Sheriff Dennis L. Dotson

For Immediate Release

NEWS RELEASE

Date: Jan 21, 2010

Summary:

On January 16, 2010 at about 7:00 PM, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy Eric Sorby conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near Highway 101 and NW 58th St in Newport for an equipment violation. The occupants of the vehicle switched places in the vehicle. Charlette M Blackmon, age 23 of Redmond, got into the driver seat and Gavin J Towns, age 23 of Redmond, got into the passenger seat. An investigation revealed that Towns was suspended. Also seated in the vehicle was passenger, Paige M Fitzpatrick, age 19 of Redmond, and a 3 year old child.

Deputy Sorby observed several signs of methamphetamine use and a search of the car was conducted. With the assistance of Newport Police Officer TJ Eriksen and the Narcotic Detection K-9, drugs and drug paraphernalia were located in the car. Passenger Fitzpatrick had hidden a methamphetamine pipe and a small bindle of methamphetamine under the child’s seat. The investigation linked Blackmon to the drugs as well. Deputy Sorby took Fitzpatrick and Blackmon into custody and the 3 year old child was taken into protective custody. Towns was cited and released on scene for driving while suspended.

Fitzpatrick was transported to the Lincoln County Jail and lodged on charges of Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, Tampering with Evidence, and Endangering the Welfare of a Minor. Fitzpatrick’s bail was set at $80,000.00.

Blackmon was transported to the Lincoln County Jail and was lodged on Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine. Blackmon’s bail was set at $50,000.00.

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