Five arrested on drug charges in Storey County

A half dozen people were arrested and one more is being sought in connection with drug activity in Virginia City within the last week, Storey County Sheriff James Miller said Tuesday.

"All deputies will be vigilant for drug abuse when responding to calls and on all traffic stops," Miller said. "Together, we can work to make our community a safer place to live."

On Aug. 31, the Storey County Sheriff's Office assisted the Tri-Net narcotics task force with the service of a search warrant on North C Street in Virginia City. Evidence of narcotic activity was seized, and two people were arrested.

An arrest warrant has been issued for the occupant of the residence, Richard L. Person, 50, for possession of a methamphetamine, said Undersheriff Bruce Larson.

Jeremy Person, 27, of Virginia City was arrested at the scene on a warrant for failure to appear on a charge of unlawful use of a controlled substance. His bail is $5,000. A urine sample obtained at the jail allegedly showed evidence of current methamphetamine use, Larson said.

Also arrested was Roberta Williams, 41, of Fallon for a probation violation after a urine test determined she allegedly had been using methamphetamine. The urine test was administered at the scene. Williams had been sentenced to drug court from an earlier unlawful-use charge. She is being held without bail.

On Thursday, three more people were arrested on suspicion of drug-related offenses as a result of a traffic stop.

Randy Eccles, 50, of Virginia City was arrested for second-offense driving under the influence of drugs. He was released on $2,500 bail.

Charges of unlawful use of a controlled substance are pending, Larson said.

John Ghiglieri, 36, of Virginia City was arrested on suspicion of unlawful use of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released on his own recognizance.

Benjamin Sausau, 23, of Manteca, Calif., was arrested on suspicion of possession of a cocaine. He was released on $2,500 bail.

Also Thursday, a woman was arrested on drug charges following a domestic dispute.

Denise Townsend, 42, of Virginia City was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery, possession of stolen property and possession of methamphetamine. Charges for unlawful use of a controlled substance are pending. She remained in jail Tuesday with a bail of $15,500.

To report suspected drug activity, contact the Sheriff's Office at 847-0950 or Secret Witness at 322-4900, to remain anonymous.