By Jacob Mathias

A husband and wife from Wisconsin Rapids are charged with alleged possession of methamphetamine, THC and drug paraphernalia as well as felony bail jumping for the husband.

Jesse Withers, 31, and his wife Garen, 34, were discovered by police to have methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia in their home after police and a social worker visited the home for a child welfare check.

According to court documents, Wood County detectives and a social worker arrived at the Withers’ residence on June 30 to conduct a child welfare check. When they arrived they were voluntarily let into the house. Upon inspecting the home’s master bedroom, detectives found Jesse Withers asleep amid a strong odor of burning marijuana. A warrant was immediately requested.

Upon further searching, detectives found three different bags containing white powders which were confirmed to be methamphetamine. A jar labeled ‘buds’ and containing marijuana was also found in the bedroom as well as numerous drug paraphernalia.

This is Jesse Withers’ second offense for possession of methamphetamine, a class I felony with a maximum sentence of three years, six months imprisonment, a $10,000 fine or both. Since it’s his second offense, an additional four years can be added to his sentence. For the possession of marijuana/THC, he faces three years, six months imprisonment, a $10,000 fine or both.

When charged, Withers’ was still under a $2500 signature bond requiring that he engage in no further criminal acts. The class H felony could result in 6 years imprisonment, a $10,000 fine or both.

The paraphernalia charge for both Jesse and Garen Withers is a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail, a $500 fine or both.

Garen Withers faces three years, sixmonths imprisonment, a $10,000 fine or both for the felony methamphetamine possession as well as six months in county jail, a $1000 fine or both for the marijuna THC possession.

Jesse Withers returns to Branch 2 of the Wood County Circuit Court on August 10 at 3:00 PM for a preliminary hearing and arraignment. Garen Withers has not yet appeared in court and neither party has entered their plea yet.