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4 Arrested in Friday Evening Raid in Riverton

03/06/2016

Arnold Ortiz
Arnold Ortiz
Ariana Starchman
Ariana Starchman
Jace Michael Burris
Jace Michael Burris

 

Riverton Raid Lands 4 Behind Bars

Just after 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 4th, 2016, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office investigators executed a search warrant at 7392 SE 70th Street, south of the Riverton School.


The warrant was issued following an investigation into illegal drug activity at the residence. During the course of the search, deputies discovered suspected methamphetamine along with marijuana, which appeared to be packaged for distribution, and paraphernalia items consistent with the distribution and use of illegal drugs.


One of the residents of the home, 28 year-old Arnold Ortiz, is a registered sex offender who had failed to notify the Sheriff's Office that he had moved from Baxter Springs. Offenders in Kansas have three days from the time they move to notify the Sheriff’s Office and update their registration status.


Ortiz was transported to the Cherokee County Jail where he is being held on suspicion of Possessing Methamphetamine, Possessing Marijuana with Intent to Distribute within 1,000 feet of School Property, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Felony and Misdemeanor Drug Paraphernalia, Interference with Law Enforcement and Failure to Register. Bond has been set at $30,000.00 cash or surety.


Another resident of the home, Ariana Elaine Starchman, age 21, was taken into custody on allegations of Possessing Methamphetamine, Possessing Marijuana with Intent to Distribute within 1,000 feet of School Property, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Felony and Misdemeanor Drug Paraphernalia, Interference and Interference with Law Enforcement. Starchman’s bond has been set at $20,000.00.


Two other suspects were also arrested during the raid.


Jace Michael Burris, 20, of Galena, is being held in lieu of $45,000.00 bond. Felony arrest warrants had previously been issued for Burris in connection with his alleged involvement in a recent burglary investigation. Burris now also faces allegations of Possessing Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana within 1,000 feet of School Property with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Felony and Misdemeanor Drug Paraphernalia.


The final suspect arrested was a juvenile male, who faces criminal charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute within 1,000 feet of School Property, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Felony and Misdemeanor Drug Paraphernalia. The juvenile was transported to, and is being held in, the Juvenile Detention Facility of Southeast Kansas in Girard.


“As I’ve previously mentioned, it’s important that our office focuses on making areas near the schools in our community safe, and this investigation along with the resulting raid is an example of that effort,” stated Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves.


“This home was located between the Riverton School and ball fields where area kids play. In addition to the dangers inherent with illegal drug activity, there was also a registered sex offender allegedly living at this residence, who failed to notify our office that he had changed addresses. Not only that, but at the time of the search warrant execution, there was a juvenile present in the home, who we believe to be involved in criminal activity”


“This case involved many components, including suspected illegal drug sales, a non-compliant registered sex offender, a burglary suspect and a juvenile, all near a school. I’m proud of our investigators for the work they did to help rid that neighborhood of this type of activity,” concluded Sheriff Groves.


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