Serving Franklin County, WA
Serving Franklin County, WA
OTHELLO — Two people have been arrested for allegedly dealing drugs in Adams and Grant Counties.
Dennis Wayne Riojas, 57, of Othello, and Slade Hardesty Fortner, 31, of Moses Lake, were both arrested Oct. 16, court records show.
Riojas was arrested on charges of possession of a stolen firearm, first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, possession of fentanyl with intent to deliver and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.
Riojas was booked into the Franklin County Jail, where he remains without bail to answer to the charges as well as a Department of Correction hold. He is scheduled for release Oct. 31.
Fortner was arrested for possession of a stolen firearm and first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, the duo was arrested during a traffic stop.
Initially, the driver, Riojas, tried to flee law enforcement, records show, noting he allegedly threw a stolen gun out while he fled.
After the traffic stop, the stolen revolver was located by law enforcement, records show. Adams County deputies requested assistance from the Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team.
After the two men were arrested and the vehicle was impounded, law enforcement officers obtained a search waarrant for the vehicle and Riojas’ residence, records show.
During the vehicle search, detectives uncovered approximately 3 pounds of methamphetamine, valued at over $3,000, along with $2,000 in cash, records show. At Riojas’ home in Othello, detectives discovered a second firearm, numerous rounds of ammunition, around 1,500 suspected fentanyl pills and approximately 108 grams of suspected fentanyl powder.
The estimated street value of the narcotics seized during this operation exceeded $5,000, records show, noting Othello police assisted with the search of the home.
Roger Harnack is the owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. Having grown up Benton City, Roger is an award-winning journalist, photographer, editor and publisher. He's one of only two editorial/commentary writers from Washington state to ever receive the international Golden Quill. Roger is dedicated to the preservation of local media, and the voice it retains for Eastern Washington.
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