On Friday, June 10, 2016 the Barton County Sheriff’s office was executing a search warrant on South US 281 highway. The search warrant was the result of an investigation stemming from a burglary report at Transmission Exchange, a business on South 281 highway. An ATV was stolen from that business.
Sheriff’s deputies developed suspects and were watching the area. Officers observed a suspect vehicle with invalid registration and conducted a traffic stop. The stop resulted in the arrest of Rebecca Ann Muckenthaler, age 33 of Colorado. Muckenthaler was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, illegal registration and no proof of insurance.
Also arrested in the vehicle was Jerrod Espinosa, age 30 of Great Bend. Espinosa was booked on charges of possession of methamphetamine as well as an outstanding warrant for probation violation.
Further investigation led officers to the residence at 166 S. US 281 highway which resulted in the arrest of Joshua Graves, age 29, of Great Bend. Graves was arrested for criminal damage to property and burglary. Graves also had six outstanding warrants from various jurisdictions.
Also arrested at the scene was Jennifer Lopez, age 30, of Great Bend. Lopez was arrested for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, no tax stamp and aggravated child endangerment.
The stolen ATV was recovered. The Sheriff’s Office believes there will be further arrests stemming from the investigation.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Great Bend Police Department detectives as well as the Great Bend Police Department K-9 unit.