Three people have been arrested following a month-long multi-county investigation that spanned Douglas and Ozark counties.
Orval Merriman, 49, was taken into custody by officers from both counties on December 11 in Theodosia, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Additionally, numerous grams of methamphetamine were discovered in 17 separate zip-lock baggies, according to court records.
Merriman allegedly admitted to authorities during the search of his house that the drugs and related items discovered there were for his personal use.
Three people are behind bars after a multi-county month-long investigation between Douglas and Ozark counties:
Three people are behind bars after a multi-county month-long investigation between Douglas and Ozark counties. https://t.co/gJQxQIzB7E
— KY3 News (@kytv) December 24, 2023
Merriman, according to the police, has a long criminal past involving the manufacture, distribution, and possession of prohibited narcotics.
Merriman is being held in the Ozark County Jail on a $25,000 bond after being charged with trafficking in drugs in the second degree and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to the authorities, they discovered that a woman and another guy were involved throughout the inquiry. Bailey Abercrombie, 26, spoke with investigators regarding her relationship with Brandon Williams, 36.
She claimed that Williams had asked her to use online dating apps to locate him people with whom to go on a threesome. If she was unsuccessful, Williams threatened to take it out on Abercrombie.
She promised law enforcement that she would follow his instructions and bring women home. According to court records, she brought home ten to fifteen girls.
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Court documents state that once Williams finished his s*xual encounters with the ladies, he would threaten to harm them and their families if they didn’t pay him. Williams received $1,500 from a woman in Oklahoma in the end.
Authorities detained Williams from Ava on December 21. He’s being held in the Douglas County Jail on a $50,000 bond, facing charges of first-degree r*pe, two counts of kidnapping, and endangering the welfare of a child. He’s due in court on January 2, 2024.
Authorities detained Abercrombie from Ava on December 22. She is being jailed at the Douglas County Jail on a $25,000 bond, facing charges of first-degree r*pe, two counts of kidnapping, and endangering the welfare of a child. She has been told not to use Cash App or social media.