Skip to Main Content

More Arrests Made in Baxter Springs Drug Investigation

07/24/2013

Christopher Markley
Christopher Markley
James Tyler
James Tyler

 

The ongoing criminal investigation into unlawful manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine in the Baxter Springs area, being conducted by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Baxter Springs Police Department and the Southeast Kansas Drug Enforcement Task Force has recently resulted in additional arrests.

Over the past several days, Cherokee County Attorney Nathan Coleman has issued arrest warrants for additional suspects associated with that investigation.

Lethea L. Gerard, 25, of Miami, Oklahoma was taken into custody on July 18, 2013, and is in custody in Ottawa County, Oklahoma on allegations of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Christopher Jon Markley, 26, of Columbus, was arrested on July 23rd, 2013, and remains in the Cherokee County Jail suspected of Conspiracy to Manufacture Methamphetamine, Manufacture of Methamphetamine, Possession of Precursor Chemicals with intent to Manufacture Methamphetamine, and Distribution of Precursor Chemicals. 

James Lewis Tyler, 44, of Baxter Springs, was also arrested on July 23rd, 2013, and remains in the Cherokee County Jail on suspicion of Conspiracy to Manufacture Methamphetamine, Manufacture of Methamphetamine, Possession of Precursor Chemicals with Intent to Manufacture Methamphetamine and Distribution of Precursor Chemicals.

Since July 1st, the following other suspects have been taken into custody on suspicion of meth manufacturing related activity:

  • Cynthia Evans
  • William Gonzalez
  • Stevie Ann Barrera
  • Jimmy Riddle
  • Sue Maxwell
  • James Edwards

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

The investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests are anticipated.

Submit an Anonymous Crime Tip