Five held in meth trafficking

Five people were jailed Wednesday on $25,000 cash bail each charged in trafficking methamphetamine with some transactions near Lampe Park.

More than 83 grams of methamphetamine were purchased with a street value of $8,000, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

Arrested were:

• Scott Fonger, 46, Gardnerville, charged with trafficking a schedule I substance, sales of a controlled substance and possession of a hypodermic device. Fonger was being held on $25,000 cash bail, plus $5,000 bail for possession of a hypodermic.

• Cory Doan, 34, Gardnerville, charged with trafficking a schedule I substance, $25,000 cash bail.

• Samuel Want, 37, Gardnerville, charged with trafficking a schedule I substance, $25,000 cash bail.

• Bradley Bullion, 45, Gardnerville, charged with trafficking a schedule 1 substance, $25,000 cash bail.

• Twila Leeling, 43, Carson City, charged with trafficking a schedule 1 substance, $25,000 cash bail.

They are set to appear in East Fork Justice Court this morning.

Sgt. Tom Mezzetta said the arrests were the culmination of a six-week investigation by the sheriff's office Street Enforcement Team which included several controlled purchases of methamphetamine.

"During one transaction, one suspect was observed to be armed with a handgun," Mezzetta said. "Most troubling is that some of these transactions occurred within 1,000 feet of Lampe Park, an offense that may lead to an enhancement during sentencing."

Mezzetta said at least one transaction involved the sale of more than 28 grams, a category A felony punishable by imprisonment for life with the possibility of parole after 10 years; or a definite term of 25 years with parole eligibility after 10 years, and a fine of not more than $500,000.

"Sheriff (Ron) Pierini is steadfast in his commitment to end the scourge of addiction in our community," Mezzetta said. "For those who have fallen to addiction, the sheriff's department can provide direction to the medical professionals who will work with individuals seeking to free themselves from addiction."

Mezzetta said the sheriff's office will continue its aggressive policy against drug abuse.

"Addiction negatively impacts entire communities and families as well as the individual abuser and it will not be tolerated," he said.