The Kansas Court of Appeals has affirmed a conviction following a drug bust in west Emporia two years ago.
The case stems from the August 2017 arrest of Jeffery Allen Bishop at Comfort Inn, 2836 West 18th — within 1,000 feet of both Emporia High and Emporia Middle School. Employees noticed what they called “a skunky smell” from one of the rooms and called police. A guest opened the door and officers say they found methamphetamine, paraphernalia and around $20,000 in cash after obtaining a warrant.
Bishop filed a motion to suppress, claiming the evidence resulted from an illegal search. District court denied the motion, saying the guest readily consented to letting the officers inside the room and also saying the guest had the authority to do so.
Citing several court precedents, the Court of Appeals sided with district court. It also upheld district court’s ruling on enhanced sentencing with the crime happening within 1,000 feet of nearby schools.
