Suspicious activity at an Osage County campground on Labor Day led to a pair of drug-related arrests.
Wells says a deputy on patrol at Turkey Point Campground at Melvern Lake was told by a citizen of suspicious activity. The deputy responded and found two people, both of whom allegedly had illegal drugs and their possession and unspecified warrants for their arrests.
Deputies arrested Jessica Downs, age 41, formerly of Emporia and now of Lebo, as well as 45-year-old Ryan Pinks of Bonner Springs. Downs was arrested on suspicion of meth and paraphernalia possession, interference with law enforcement and the warrant. Pinks was arrested on suspicion of meth and paraphernalia possession and the warrant.
Formal charges are pending.
Downs allegedly kept a 2-year-old boy for longer than the visitation agreement allowed in January as indicated by court records provided to KVOE News. The child was reported as missing, setting off an intense law enforcement search that gained statewide attention before the boy was found safe. Downs then entered an Alford no-contest plea, meaning she proclaimed her innocence but admitted enough evidence to find her guilt — only to fail to appear at her sentencing. She later received 12 months probation and was set for a review hearing Jan. 6.
