Meth hotline leads to first direct arrest

A tip to the Carson City Sheriff's Department's new meth hotline led to the arrest of two men on North Carson Street.

According to the arrest report, an anonymous person reported "heavy foot traffic all the time of the day and night" at an address in the 1900 block of North Carson Street.

When deputies knocked on the door at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, William Coleman, 28, invited the officers inside.

Deputy Dan Gonzalez wrote in the report he spotted a methamphetamine pipe on the coffee table and located three other men in the home. One of the men, Christopher Francis, 19, allegedly lied to deputies about his name because he was on probation from a previous offense and had a warrant for his arrest.

Deputies allegedly found four other marijuana and meth pipes.

Coleman was charged with five counts of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Francis was booked on a felony identity theft warrant.

Sheriff Ken Furlong said this is the first direct arrest to come from a hotline tip, but other tips on the hotline have sparked investigations.

The meth hotline was activated in October in response to the methamphetamine coalition, made up of community leaders and teachers. Partnership Carson City is aimed at educating the public on methamphetamine use and abuse.

The hotline is an avenue through which people can anonymously report suspicious activities in which drugs may be involved.

The goal is that within 24 hours of receiving a tip, a deputy will respond to the information, Furlong said.

Partnership Carson City has also released posters, bookmarks and window stickers with the Meth Hotline number listed and the saying "Change Lives. Prevent Meth Abuse."

The items can be picked up at the front counter of the sheriff's department, at City Hall, the Carson City Courthouse and the Nevada Appeal.

"People can display these items to show support for the coalition and to say, we are no longer going to stand for this in our town," Furlong said.

-- Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.