OAKLAND, Md.— Five people were arrested on 12 warrants in Garrett County, Md., on multiple drug charges each this week.
A sixth person was also indicted, but that person’s name is being withheld until the arrest warrant has been served, according to a release from the Garrett County Narcotics Task Force.
Detectives from the task force testified Tuesday before the grand jury. The cases presented were the results of investigations into the distribution of methamphetamine, buprenorphine and other drugs, according to the release.
Arrested were Jeremy Ray Guthrie, 31, of Oakland, Md., on 20 drug related counts; Christina Lynn Derkas, 31, of Oakland, on 25 counts; Ashley Nicole Tichnell, 26, of Oakland, on four counts; Brett Wayne Fratz, 39, of Accident, Md., on five counts; and Amber Elaine Bittinger, 29, of Oakland, on five counts.
All were arraigned. Guthrie, Derkas, Fratz and Tichnell were held without bond. Bittinger was in the Garrett County Detention Center Thursday in lieu of $25,000 bail.
In the release, Garrett County Sheriff Rob Corley said that, “Methamphetamines are an ongoing and growing problem in our communities. Our officers work tirelessly to look into every morsel of information that we receive from the concerned citizens of Garrett County. The true diligence of parents, neighbors, family and friends is what helps us do this job every day.”
He said that, “Although there are countless programs, agencies and people in Garrett County who offer incredible assistance in helping those with addictions, it must be those with addictions who seek the help. Until this happens, we will continue to battle this problem every day.”
