By Joe Bachman
Editor

SARATOGA — A police investigation has led to the arrest of two alleged local methamphetamine dealers.

Filed on Oct. 6, according to police reports, on Sept. 13, Nekoosa police located a 2003 Dodge Neon known to police as likely owned by 27-year-old Jay and Jessica Newby, and that they were known to be transporting methamphetamine. There had also been a body warrant out on Jay Newby at the time.

Police followed the vehicle to a mobile park located on State Highway 73 in Saratoga, where Jay Newby was properly identified going in and out of the mobile home. After the vehicle left the area, a traffic stop was initiated, where police identified Jessica Newby, the driver, and Jay Newby, the passenger, in the vehicle.

Police soon placed Jay Newby under arrest for his outstanding warrant. According to reports, Jessica Newby seemed “nervous” and had been acting “strange”, asked Jessica if there was anything drug-related inside the vehicle, to which she retrieved two glass smoking devices. Police would then investigate further.

After a thorough search of the vehicle, officers would find a first aid kit containing 7.4 grams of methamphetamine, which equates to 74 uses. This indicated that the amount on hand was for meant for redistribution. More gem baggies with methamphetamine residue were also found. In addition, two gem baggies of marijuana were recovered, as well as drug paraphernalia. Even more methamphetamine was soon found in pink gem baggies, equaling 15 uses.

After being interviewed, Jessica Newby admitted to ownership of the drugs inside the vehicle, and that her and Jay make between $700-800 per week selling methamphetamine. Both Newby’s were out on bail at the time of their arrests.

If convicted, Jessica Newby faces up to 25 years imprisonment, and up to $80,000 in fines for charges of maintaining a drug trafficking place, possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, and bail jumping. Jay Newby faces similar charges and up to 22 years imprisonment, with $70,000 in fines.

Their next court date is scheduled for Nov. 13.