HINTON, W.V. — Three people were arrested Wednesday in Summers County following two separate drug-related investigations, according to law enforcement officials.
At about 8 a.m. on November 5, Sheriff J.L. Faris conducted a traffic stop on Big Creek Road involving a vehicle occupied by two people. After determining that further investigation was needed, Deputy J.L. Farmer assisted on scene.
During the stop, authorities discovered a significant quantity of methamphetamine, leading to the arrest of Billie Jo Pettry, 42, of Hinton, and Joshua Akers, 38, of Pearisburg, Virginia.
Both suspects were charged with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, arraigned in Summers County Magistrate Court, and transported to the Southern Regional Jail.
Later that day, Sheriff Faris received additional information prompting a separate drug investigation.
A search warrant was obtained for a residence on Summers Street in Hinton and executed by Sheriff Faris, Chief Deputy T.S. Adkins, Deputies J.L. Farmer, T.A. Withrow, and L.A. Harvey, with assistance from Hinton Police Chief J. Crawford and Patrolman K. Higginbotham.
During the search, investigators recovered methamphetamine, fentanyl, and items consistent with drug distribution. Authorities also seized multiple firearms.
Jeffrey Gill, 45, of Hinton, was taken into custody and transported to the Summers County Appalachian Regional Hospital for a medical evaluation. Officials said Gill is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
The Summers County Sheriff’s Department said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are expected.