Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Paraphernalia found on Couch

Drug paraphernalia was found while in search of suspect at residents's home with one man arrested in the incident.

Ricky Couch was arrested and charged with a class "B" felony for drug paraphernalia with intent.

According to court records, Nevada County Sheriff Steve Otwell obtained information concerning methamphetamine being processed at a rural location.

After searching the area and discussing possible suspects with the landowner of the property Sheriff Otwell and deputies went in search of a suspect.

The suspect was known to visit the residence of Couch, therefor Otwell, along with officers Scott Sundberg and Steve Gulich, searched for him there. Otwell asked Couch if the suspect was there and Couch stated he was not, according to records.

Couch reportedly gave officers consent to search the house for the suspect, who was not found.

However, during the search the officers noticed an item that could be used in the process of making methamphetamine. Couch was asked once again if the house could be searched, this time for drug paraphernalia. Consent was again given and Couch said whatever was found in the house he took full responsibility for.

During the search the officers found several more items that could be used in the making of methamphetamine and took Couch into custody.

At the Prescott Police Station Couch was read his rights and said all materials in the house were his. He then said he had been processing methamphetamine for about eight months and that he usually made a gram or so at a time.

A class "B" felony is punishable by imprisonment for no less than 5 years and no more than 20 and/or a fine for no less than $15,000.