Formal charges have been filed and first court appearances have been made for a family and a girlfriend of one of the family members accused of making drugs and holding onto firearms.
Chase County District Court had first appearances Thursday for 57-year-old Vernon Yoho, 59-year-old Vickie Yoho, 30-year-old Derek Yoho, 31-year-old Dustin Yoho and 40-year-old Janice Nelson.
Dustin Yoho faces eight counts, including two of methamphetamine distribution, unlawful distribution by using a communication facility, drug possession and paraphernalia possession. His brother, Derek, faces four counts including possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal weapons use. Vernon Yoho, the Yoho brothers’ father, is charged with six counts, mainly criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and drug possession. Vickie Yoho, Vernon Yoho’s wife and the Yoho brothers’ stepmother, has two counts of marijuana or paraphernalia possession. Janice Nelson, Dustin Yoho’s reported girlfriend, faces three counts of meth, marijuana or drug paraphernalia possession.
All five were arrested Friday after a warrant search at the Yoho home, 422 Cottonwood in Strong City. Court documents indicate at least two controlled purchases by Emporia Police in Emporia and Strong City in the days leading up to the search, which authorities have said went smoothly. While at the house, authorities found scales, baggies, various quantities of meth and pot and several firearms, including at least one pistol, two rifles and a shotgun along with ammunition.
Vernon Yoho had already been convicted of drug manufacture in Chase County 13 years ago. His sentence expired in 2012. Derek Yoho has also been convicted of felony burglary, according to court documents, while Vickie Yoho has been convicted of possessing firearms as a felon.
Arraignments are coming April 8 for Derek Yoho and Vickie Yoho. Preliminary hearings are coming April 12 for Dustin Yoho, Vernon Yoho and Janice Nelson.
