The Rupert Police Department conducted a drug bust on Raleigh Street in Rupert on Friday, May 13.
According to Rupert Police Chief Charles Burkhamer, police found over $84,500 in cash and a large amount of marijuana, THC vape cartridges, wax, guns and ammunition.
Burkhamer said the arrest was spurred by Rupert Patrolman Billy Freeman being dispatched to a city residence to investigate a domestic violence disturbance.
When the patrolman arrived, he observed suspect, 22-year-old Joshua Franklin driving by the victim’s home, a violation of a domestic violence petition.
Freeman pulled the suspect over to speak to him about driving by his ex’s home. Burkhamer was then dispatched to the scene to assist Freeman. Franklin had been sending texts during his traffic stop bragging about a substantial amount of drugs hidden in his home blocks away. The officers allowed Franklin to keep texting during their investigation. Afterward, they got statements from the individuals he’d been texting.
With the help of witness statements, and Franklin’s own words, Burkhamer was able to secure and execute a search warrant at the suspect’s home where thousands of dollars in drugs, paraphernalia, along with several semi-automatic firearms and $84,500 in cash were seized.
Franklin was then arrested and charged with possession and intent to deliver a controlled substance. He is being held at Southern Regional Jail on a $50,000 bond.
The police investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected, said Burkhamer.
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